In Schalbe, northern Germany, archaeologists found rare bronze cauldrons dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries AD. The pots were recovered through cooperation between the State Archaeological Office in Schleswig-Holstein and Aarhus University.
The cauldrons are called “Vestland cauldrons” and provide important evidence of trade and cultural exchange in ancient times. Previously thought to have only been found in Scandinavia and the Rhineland, the cauldrons found in northern Germany represent an important challenge to how we think about the extent of trade networks in the Roman period. The researchers hope to use advanced technology, including ‘block lifting’ and computed tomography (CT) scanning, to preserve the cauldrons while also identifying any potential hidden contents that may be buried within.
This work will enhance our understanding of the complexity of social hierarchies and the interconnectedness of economies during the migration period.
A 1,700-year-old bronze cauldron was found in northern Germany’s connection to the Roman Empire
The Vestland cauldron, found at Schalbe, reflects a more extensive trade network between the elite of northern Europe and Rome than historians had previously expected. Elite goods such as these may have been thought to have only reached locations such as Scandinavia and the Rhine Basin.
These findings from the Schleswig-Holstein site indicated the existence of far-reaching exchange networks between local elite groups in the Roman world and these elites in northern Europe between the 3rd and 5th centuries AD, as observed in the research study conducted by the State Archaeological Office of Schleswig-Holstein. In fact, there were commercial, diplomatic, and ritual exchanges between the Roman world and the decentralized and heterogeneous societies of northern Europe long before the Viking Age.
How CT protects fragile archaeological finds
The metal was very fragile, so he used a non-destructive block lifting methodology so that archaeologists could excavate the pots with the surrounding dirt to prevent them from collapsing and collapsing during the excavation. The pots were scanned via CT scan, and once scanned, they will undergo a controlled laboratory examination.By photographing the interior of the vessels without the use of force will allow archaeologists to examine these cauldrons to determine whether the vessels contain objects or whether there are other objects that could be in the grave goods associated with them.
Photographing pots allows archaeologists the ability to preserve the integrity of the archaeological context within the archaeological record.
Why were the goods of the Roman elite buried in Germany?
Initial study indicated that the cauldrons appeared to be placed inside each other, leading experts to believe they were intentional deposits, perhaps a ceremonial cache or a sacred burial offering. The deliberate burial of such valuable imported items may indicate their status as highly regarded symbols of social rank and spiritual value among indigenous Germanic peoples. The ongoing investigation by the State Archaeological Office of Schleswig-Holstein will evaluate the original purpose of this deposit and will seek to determine whether any of the items deposited are of an organic nature, which may provide additional information about ancient dining practices or burial customs.