Archaeologists have unearthed a rare and well-preserved early Celtic burial chamber in the Danube plain near Riedlingen, southwestern Germany.

Schematic graphic reconstruction of the burial mound (diameter 65 m) with the location of the central burial chamber Credit: Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart / Faber Courti-al

The wooden chamber, dating back approximately 2,600 years, is located at the center of a large burial mound, or “princely burial mound,” a type reserved for high-ranking individuals in Celtic society between 620 and 450 BCE.

The mound itself, once towering over 6 meters tall and measuring 65 meters in diameter, still stands at about 2 meters today. Such dimensions highlight its importance, as these burial mounds were exclusive to the elite.

Overview pH๏τo of the excavated burial chamber with chamber walls and chamber floor. Credit: Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart / Jörn Heimann

The discovery is particularly remarkable for the state of preservation of the burial chamber, constructed from solid oak timbers. The chamber, measuring 3.40 meters wide by 4.05 meters long, was found just 70 centimeters below the surface. What makes this find so unique is the preservation of the wooden structure, a rarity in archaeology, as organic materials typically decompose within years or decades. However, the exceptional preservation in this case is attributed to the site’s waterlogged and oxygen-deprived soil conditions, which prevented microbial activity from breaking down the wood.

Presentation of the early Celtic burial chamber. Credit: LAD / Andreas Dubslaff

The chamber’s design reveals advanced craftsmanship, with walls made from upright oak planks interlocked at the corners and a mᴀssive two-layered oak plank ceiling. A central crossbeam originally supported the ceiling, though it collapsed over time under the weight of the soil above.

The burial mound’s construction likely aimed to deter grave robbers, yet ancient looters were still able to tunnel into the chamber. Two tunnels were discovered in the southeast corner, where the robbers broke through the chamber ceiling. Unfortunately, most of the valuable grave goods, including metal items, appear to have been taken, leaving behind only discarded objects such as decorative bronze nails, believed to have come from a four-wheeled cart, a common feature of elite Celtic burials.

Ceramic vessels of the early 6th century BCE, which served as urns. Credit: Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart / Yvonne Mühleis

One of the most significant aspects of the discovery is the use of dendrochronology, or tree-ring dating, to date the oak timbers. A partially finished wooden spade, left behind by the original builders, has been dated to 585 BCE, providing a clear timeline for the tomb’s construction. According to Prof. Dr. Dirk Krausse, lead archaeologist at the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege (State Office for Monument Preservation), this find is “a stroke of luck for archaeology.” He emphasized that the tomb’s state of preservation and the scientific methods available today allow for a deeper understanding of Celtic society and its burial practices.

A burial with the skeleton of a man from around 500 BCE. Credit: Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart / Quentin Sueur

The excavations, led by Dr. Roberto Tarpini of the State Office for Monument Preservation, have also uncovered human remains in the burial chamber. Initial anthropological analysis suggests the skeleton belonged to a young male, aged 15 to 20, standing approximately 160 to 168 cm tall. Other graves were found within the mound, including a secondary burial near the surface, containing the skeleton of a man aged 25 to 35 years, along with bronze garment clasps and a rock crystal amulet.

The ongoing excavations, expected to continue for several more weeks, are using advanced excavation, documentation, and restoration techniques to ensure the site’s preservation. According to Dr. Tarpini, the analyses following the excavation will be crucial in answering key questions, particularly regarding the idenтιтy of the person buried in the monumental mound.

The discovery is not only significant for its scientific value but also for its contribution to public history. Prof. Dr. Claus Wolf, President of the State Office for Monument Preservation, emphasized that all the wood from the burial chamber will be carefully conserved and restored. In the coming years, the fully reconstructed chamber will be presented to the public as part of a museum exhibit.

Ministerium für Landesentwicklung und Wohnen / Denkmalpflege Baden-Württemberg