In the Alsace region of northeastern France lies the Pfulgriesheim site, a vast archaeological landscape that has unveiled over 6,000 years of human history. From Neolithic silos to medieval burial grounds, this excavation offers a window into the lives of ancient communities and their enduring relationship with the land. The discoveries at Pfulgriesheim are redefining our understanding of settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and social structures across millennia.
The Pfulgriesheim Excavation Project
Situated on a loess hill between the Souffel and Leisbach rivers, the Pfulgriesheim site spans an impressive 5.5 hectares. This strategic location provided fertile soil and access to water, making it an ideal settlement area for thousands of years. The excavation, led by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), began in 2022 as part of an urban development initiative.
The project’s primary objective is to document and preserve archaeological layers before construction reshapes the landscape. Researchers have focused on uncovering structures, artifacts, and burial sites that span from the Late Neolithic to modern times, painting a comprehensive picture of human activity in the region.
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Neolithic Discoveries: Storage and Burials
Among the most remarkable finds at Pfulgriesheim is a network of Late Neolithic silos, dating back to 4000–3400 BCE. These large, circular pits, some reaching depths of 2 meters, were likely used for storing food and resources. Their strategic clustering suggests a sophisticated understanding of agricultural logistics.
Interestingly, traces of burnt adobe in several silos point to nearby dwellings. INRAP reported that some silos contained nearly half a ton of burnt daub, evidence of significant settlement activity.
In a fascinating twist, some silos were repurposed as burial sites. Human remains were found placed in circular pits, a practice observed in other parts of Alsace. Radiocarbon dating and pottery analysis are expected to determine whether these burials coincided with the silos’ primary use or represented a later phase of occupation.
Mysterious Elongated Structures
Approximately 60 elongated structures, or “clefts,” were discovered at the site. These narrow, V-, U-, or Y-shaped profiles are arranged in parallel bands, a pattern consistent with other Neolithic sites in France.
The exact purpose of these structures remains a mystery. While some archaeologists speculate they may have been related to hunting activities, no definitive evidence supports this hypothesis. Further analysis is required to unlock their secrets.
Iron Age and Medieval Findings
La Tène Settlements
The Pfulgriesheim site also revealed traces of two Iron Age settlements from the La Tène period (480–25 BCE). The earlier settlement included silos and a square sunken building, typical of the era. The later settlement, partially enclosed, suggests a more organized agricultural system connected to nearby rural farms.
Early Medieval Funerary Complexes
Three circular funerary enclosures dating to the 7th century CE were uncovered. Two of these formed a single complex, containing two burials. One grave, remarkably intact, held the skeleton of a man buried with a spur on his left foot, indicating his elevated social status.
The third enclosure, though devoid of visible remains, may have originally housed a burial within a tumulus that has since eroded. These findings provide valuable insights into early medieval burial practices and social hierarchies.
Modern Agricultural Traces
While the ancient findings are the most striking, the excavation also uncovered structures dating to the 20th century. Rows of vine posts and hop field anchors offer a glimpse into the region’s modern agricultural history, which remains poorly documented in historical records.
Significance of the Findings
The discoveries at Pfulgriesheim hold immense significance for the archaeological record of northeastern France. They challenge existing theories about ancient land use and social organization, revealing a complex interplay between human communities and their environment. From Neolithic silos to medieval burial grounds, the site encapsulates millennia of human ingenuity and resilience.
Conclusion
The Pfulgriesheim excavation has uncovered a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, spanning thousands of years and offering invaluable insights into the lives of ancient communities. As researchers continue to analyze the findings, this site promises to deepen our understanding of humanity’s enduring connection to the land. The stories unearthed at Pfulgriesheim are a testament to the rich history hidden beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.
