Tomb of an ancient Germanic lord is unearthed with a circle of six women around a cauldron

Tomb of an ancient Germanic lord is unearthed with a circle of six women around a cauldronShow more

Archaeologists have unearthed the 1,500-year-old tomb of a Germanic lord with the skeletons of six women aligned around him, prompting speculation that they may have died in a death cult.

The tomb held the remains of 11 horses, cattle and dogs and was surrounded by 40 to 60 other graves. Gold and silver artefacts were also found at the burial site, discovered by builders near Brücken-Hackpfüffel in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Experts say the site is the country's most important archaeological find for 40 years and have kept the exact location of the dig a secret to stave off thieves.

Excavations got underway when builders were clearing land for a new chicken farm, and stumbled across the cemetery of a royal court.  

Despite the high-ranking status of the person entombed within, the researchers have yet to locate the remains of the prince they suspect was laid to rest there. 

They speculate his ashes may be inside a bronze cauldron in the central tomb, which is around 13 feet by 13 feet in size. 

The cauldron, the focal point of the mounded tomb, is surrounded by six women buried in a radial alignment from the pot, like the hands of a clock, The Times reports.

Researchers say these may well have been concubines or widows belonging to the person being buried, but it remains a mystery as to whether they were slain for the burial or sacrificed themselves.  

Speculation is rife about the cause of the bizarre arrangement, but researchers say it is too soon to talk of a ritualistic cult death.  

Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-8759147/Ancient-Germanic-lord-unearthed-1-500-year-old-tomb-circle-six-women-cauldron.html

Source:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/ancient-germanic-lord-was-buried-with-circle-of-six-women-fq853sw0f