What is today Germany was dominated by the mighty Ottonian dynasty approximately 1,000 years ago.
Excavations of the site took place during the summer of 2022 and in April and May of 2023, officials said. ROBERT PRUST Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt
The Ottonians, especially the powerful ones, originated from a territory that is currently a portion of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The dynasty oversaw the building of churches, monasteries, and castles throughout the area, many of which served as bases for itinerant kings and political leaders.
Now, through a series of excavation initiatives, archaeologists and specialists with the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archeology in Saxony-Anhalt are attempting to discover more about the dynasty and its rule.
The excavations in the Altenburg of Großwangen were overseen by Felix Biermann, who told McClatchy News that one such expedition there yielded startling outcomes.
Part of the “unusual” mortar wall that was excavated. Felix Biermann Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt
'Rather Mysterious' Finding
Archaeologists discovered two eminent buildings at the location: an outer castle and a rectangular core castle. Experts claim that the ramparts and ditches that encircle the castles are remnants of Ottonian defences.
When specialists analyzed their findings, they were shocked to learn that the main castle was extraordinarily well-protected, according to Biermann.
Archaeologists discovered a significantly more intricate free-standing mortar wall dating back around 1,050 years, as opposed to comparable constructions reinforced with wood-and-earth ramparts capped by stone walls, according to Biermann. The most significant castles and complexes from the period contain the only other comparable buildings.
As a result, the Altenburg is unusual and rather enigmatic, according to Biermann. There is currently strong evidence that the Ottonian emperor's ambitious ambition to establish a new capital here was a failure.
The planned constructions may not have been the most significant for monarchs, but they could have provided security for a nearby, more significant castle.
Stone and clay domes were found at the site. Felix Biermann Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt
Powerful leaders are undoubtedly engaged in their building, according to experts.
The Altenburg was unquestionably a key component of Ottonian rule, according to Biermann. One of the Ottonian kings undoubtedly had grand ambitions for the Altenburg and Memleben dominion complex that were never realized.
Additional Medieval Artifacts Found
Archaeologists also unearthed a number of early Middle Ages relics in addition to the wall.
Numerous small homes, stone and clay dome ovens, ceramics, animal bones, knives, and lances were discovered, according to specialists.
Archaeologists unearthed pieces of Ottonian pottery at the site. Felix Biermann Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt
These discoveries, according to Biermann, were predicted. "We had preconceived notions about the anticipated results. On the basis of its structural characteristics, it was assumed that the Altenburg belonged to the early Middle Ages, he added. The enormous size and strength of the free-standing mortar wall, on the other hand, as well as the low level of use of the castle, which did not match this construction effort, came as a big surprise.
Berlin is located roughly 150 kilometers southwest of The Altenburg.
