Fürstengrab vom Ailenberg

The Fürstengrab vom Ailenberg is an archaeological site near Stuttgart with an Alemannic burial chamber positioned on elevated ground overlooking the Neckar Valley. The grave contained the remains of a man in his 30s from the 5th century along with objects such as weapons and ornaments.

The burial site was discovered in 1857 by a vintner named Karl Kopp near the Mélac Tower and dates to the 5th century. The find demonstrates Alemannic settlement in this region during the Migration Period.

The burial chamber displays weapons such as a spatha sword and arrowheads that reveal the combat traditions of this era. These finds offer insight into how people fought and what social standing the buried person held.

The archaeological finds are housed in the Research Archive at the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Cologne where they can be studied. Visitors interested in examining these materials should contact the institute in advance to arrange access or viewing.

A golden belt buckle set with garnets found in the grave has striking similarities to items from elite tombs at Apahida in Romania. This connection suggests far-reaching contacts between Alemannic and other Germanic leaders during this period.