Archaeological excavation of the Republik Freies Wendland, Archaeological excavation in Gorleben, Germany.
The archaeological excavation of the Republik Freies Wendland sits in a forested area where researchers found remains of wooden structures and everyday objects. The site displays physical evidence of a temporary settlement with its different types of buildings and facilities.
The settlement appeared in 1980 in response to plans for building a nuclear waste storage facility in the area. The place was later abandoned but left behind archaeological traces that preserve much about this moment of resistance.
The excavated items come from the Free Republic of Wendland protest movement and show how residents lived through cooking pots, beverage cans, and personal belongings. These objects reveal how people shared daily life while opposing government plans together.
The excavation site lies hidden in the forest and requires proper equipment and guidance to explore it. It is important to prepare well since conditions on site can be challenging and planning ahead is necessary.
The excavation site revealed a large octagonal building that could hold many people and had several specialized functions. This structure shows how thoughtfully the settlement was planned despite its temporary nature.
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