Grubenhaussiedlung am Petersteich, Archaeological site in Süpplingenburg, Germany
Grubenhaussiedlung am Petersteich is a medieval settlement site covering four hectares with remains of more than 500 sunken houses built about one meter below ground level. The excavation preserves traces of hearths and dome ovens that indicate specialized craft activities took place here.
The settlement began around 850 and was inhabited until roughly 1200, when people abandoned this way of living. It was discovered in 1992 by aerial archaeologist Otto Braasch, who photographed 80 dark spots in a field that revealed this hidden history.
The archaeological finds reveal weaving weights, pottery fragments, and bronze needles that show how early medieval people made everyday items. These objects help us understand the daily crafts and skills that people practiced in this settlement.
The site is located in open terrain and is weather-dependent, so it is best to visit when the ground is dry and paths are easily accessible. A reconstructed sunken house demonstrates how people lived and worked with textiles in medieval times.
Colored glass beads from the 9th century were discovered during excavations, suggesting this settlement was larger than typical rural villages and may have served as a trading point. These beads indicate connections to distant regions that would be unusual for small farming communities.
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