First Complete Ancient Celtic Village, Roman Settlement Discovered in Munich

Researchers in Germany discovered several important items in Munich, including the remains of ancient Celtic village. The site has been designated to be the construction site of a new district.

Ancient Celtic Village, More Unearthed in Munich

A group of archaeologists discovered signs of the ancient Celtic village, considered about 2,300 years old, in a field in the northern suburbs of Munich. It is the first entirely coherent Celtic village discovered in the German city-state of Bavaria.

The location of the discovered settlement has been set aside to develop a new neighborhood that will feature 1,700 dwellings, a school, and daycare facilities. However, before the work starts in earnest, archaeologists have begun digging the region and found various buildings and artifacts.

The Celts of the La Tène civilization, who were prosperous in the late Iron Age around 450 BC, lived in the settlement until 1000 AD. The Celtic peoples first inhabited the area that is now Bavaria, but the Romans eventually overcame them and integrated it into their empire.

Additionally, archaeologists discovered traces of a minor Roman village in the northern section of the 23-hectare construction site. It was reportedly inhabited around 300 AD. The finds also included house blueprints, four burials, and wells.

Archaeologist and excavation manager Carl Göderz said they rarely can examine such a large construction site in one sitting. Based on the findings, experts believe that the town may have originally housed 500 people, a sizable population.

A massive structure measuring 65 by 65 feet stood in the center of the community and was surrounded by wooden arcades that resembled columns. According to Matthias Pfeil, director of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation, the locals may have gathered there for prayers. It was reportedly a kind of town hall for the people.

They also discovered three graves with the bones of a man and two kids in them. According to Göderz's account of Merkur, among the bones were dog remains with signs of consumption on them. Celtic burial practices are mostly unknown. However, they believed that the deceased individuals may have been notable figures, per Pfeil.

They also discovered an enamel brooch, ceramics in one of the burials, and a beautifully wrought bronze buckle in one of the wells. Merkur said the evidence suggests that a Roman farmer was interred in this village. Several brooches, razors, and animal bones were also unearthed in the settlement.

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Who Were The Celts?

Early Celts hardly ever expressed themselves in writing. They were referred to as Keltoi, Keltai, or Galatai by the Greeks and Celti, Celtae, and Galli by the Romans.

Greek writers between 540 and 424 BC first mentioned the Celts. However, Roman authors offer the most insightful accounts because, as their empire grew, they came into contact with the Celts on their northern boundaries.

The Celts are thought to have originated as a group of tribes in central Europe. Despite being distinct tribes, they shared a similar culture, traditions, religious beliefs, and tongue.

Early sources situated the Celts in western Europe and near the Danube River's headwaters. It is common knowledge that their ancestral lands were in central and eastern France and reached southern Germany and the Czech Republic.

It is known that the Celts pillaged Delphi, a holy Greek sanctuary, in 279 BC. According to the geographer Strabo, Alexander the Great and the Celts met in the Balkans in 335 BC. After 400 sources, the Celts moved vast numbers from central Europe into Northern Italy and Eastern Europe, according to classical BC.

Wales is now considered a Celtic country—a more comprehensive modern national identity benefits from the widespread acceptance of the Welsh Celtic identity.