Archaeology, excavations and science

20 years of archaeology in Kalkriese

The history of archaeology in Kalkriese begins in the year 1987 when the enthusiastic amateur archaeologist J.A.S. Clunn found Roman coins. In 1988 he found three catapult lead-stones. In coordination with the archaeologist in charge of the town and the Rural District Osnabrück – Mr W Schlüter – more successful finds were made until 1989. Then, systematic excavations began in the land parcel called »Oberesch«. A. S. Clunn.

It soon became evident that the place of discovery was not only in the open field, but also in the nearby forest. There was a spectacular find in 1990. It was a 15 m (49.2 ft) wide and about 40 cm (16 inch) high discolouration in the ground. This turned out to be the remains of a rampart which previously could not be seen from above the surface. Consequently, more work was done at this place. The rampart had apparently been built with sod. There were drainage ditches on its southern side. Under the collapsed debris of the rampart were Roman coins and fragments of military equipment which proved that it dated from the time of Augustus.

Something very special was found in the year 1990. The misshapen and corroded find was found to be a cavalry mask of a Roman cavalry helmet, which was once covered with silver.

Both underneath the rampart and in the surrounding area were traces of prehistoric settlements. There were relics from the Stone Age and postholes of storehouses dating back to the pre-Roman Iron Age.

A lot of finds were made in those areas where parts of the rampart had already eroded in ancient times. For example, the skeleton of a mule and the remains of its bridle were found there. There were also some bones of horses and an amulet which was attached to a horse’s harness and was supposed to protect against any kind of harm.

The first and largest pit containing skeleton remains of both human and animal origin had already been found north of the rampart in 1994. Seven other such pits were found in the following years which may have been used for makeshift burials. Tacitus describes that such kind of burials took place in 16 AD.

In 1999 and 2000 the land on which the Museum and Park were to be built needed to be examined. In the course of this examination further remains of the rampart were discovered. Surprisingly, another skeleton of a mule was found, virtually intact. The animal had broken its neck, and shortly after its deadly fall, was buried under parts of the rampart.

The publication »Kalkriese 3« from 2007 contains a report on the first 15 years of excavations. But also in the coming years further results are likely to be expected. One may be curious!