Archaeologists have debunked the notion that the Prignitz is a peripheral region, at least concerning the Bronze Age. It appears that the region was a center of power around the time of the legendary King Hinz, about 2800 years ago.
This is supported by the recent discovery of remains from a meeting hall dating back to the 9th or 10th century BC and measuring ten by 31 meters — a find of national, if not European, significance.
Titled “SiSe I – Settlement Environment Seddin,” the three-year research project, supported with 300,000 euros from the German Research Foundation (DFG), commenced in February of this year. The collaboration between the Brandenburg State Office for Heritage Preservation and Archaeological State Museum (BLDAM) and the Department of Prehistoric and Early Historic Archaeology at the University of Göttingen has yielded remarkable results in its first year.
The Königsgrab (King’s Grave) discovered in 1899 and dated to the 9th century BC was already considered the most significant facility of its time in northern Central Europe and the recent find strongly reinforces this.
The excavation team, led by Dr. Immo Heske (University of Göttingen) and Dr. Franz Schopper (Brandenburg State Archaeologist), and State Secretary Tobias Dünow from the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research, and Culture presented the sensational discovery. “What is being presented here is truly spectacular”, Dünow said, “One needs luck for such a discovery, but it is also the result of exemplary cooperation on various levels, especially with the Prignitz District and the municipality of Groß Pankow.”
The State Secretary also pointed out that Seddin is home to Brandenburg’s first and only excavation protection area, which has been the focus of interdisciplinary research for many years.
According to Dr. Franz Schopper, the walls of the meeting hall were made of wooden planks and a wickerwork of clay plaster. It is suspected that it was about seven meters high and had additional floors. “This is an absolute bullseye: an extremely extensive floor plan with the centerpiece of a hearth in the middle”, he said.
Dr. Immo Heske added: “This is the largest building of its kind. From this era, we only know of four buildings in a span of 1000 years that have this width. The ground floor’s interior area is 254 square meters. It is likely a hall for regional gatherings with a hearth.”
While little more than the floor plan and a few fieldstone remnants are visible at first glance, the extent of the discovery and its outline can be clearly seen from a slightly elevated position or from the air.
Heske explained how to identify a building remnant on this site, even though there are no ceramic finds: “We have a treasure chest and are looking for the treasure because we can’t see it.” For example, the ability to interpret discolorations in the ground is crucial.
At least one vessel, possibly used for ritual purposes, was found. Heske brought along an exhibit from the Perleberg Museum for comparison.
Dr. Schopper also added that the research results will be presented to the public in the near future. In addition to a comprehensive publication, information panels and possibly a model of the hall are planned on-site. This is expected to be realized in collaboration with the municipalities within a period of two to three years, said Schopper.
Christian Fenske, the Prignitz District representative, said: “This is a truly fantastic project driven by passionate individuals. Thanks to Immo Heske, Franz Schopper, Gordon Thalmann, Torsten Geue, and all participants. It’s a real sensational find. From our department’s perspective, tourism is an essential pillar.”
Head of the Order Office, Karsten Lehmann, who represented the municipality of Groß Pankow said: “I want to thank everyone who is here, including the landowners and operators. I am looking forward to evaluating another excavation project here and perhaps examining completely different finds.”
This also piqued the interest of Mike Laskewitz, Managing Director of the Prignitz Tourism Association, who sees good opportunities to use this discovery to promote tourism.
