Archaeological discoveries on the site of the forthcoming Archive of the Future Lichtenfels provide insights into the past.
Among the archaeological finds unearthed at the Marktplatz 2 site, an in situ pottery deposit consisting of two interlocking ceramic vessels dating from around 1000 AD is particularly enchanting. It was found in the vicinity of a posthole and is thought to be a devotional building offering.
A miniature ceramic vessel measuring 5cm, adorned with a spout and an intact eyelet for attaching a leather lanyard or woven string, was also found buried in a more recent sedimentary layer. Contained within the hollow belly of the vessel, a tiny ceramic ball rolls freely making a rattling sound when the object is shaken. The Lilliputian piece of pottery may have functioned as a toy or perhaps as a vial for scented oil. It dates to the 13th century.
A handsome game piece measuring just under 4cm in the shape of a double-headed horse is thought to have been used as a Medieval chess piece. It also dates to the 13th century.
The discoveries presented here were taken into the care of the the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments where they've been conserved and restored.
Photo credit: Helmut Voß, Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments–Seehof Castle, Memmelsdorf. Text: Michael Jandejsek M.A., ReVe – Office for Archeology Bamberg.