Neolithic enclosure found in Denmark

Archaeologists discovered a large enclosure near Stevns in Denmark at a sports hall construction site. The structure is dated to the Neolithic and seems to enclose an oval area of nearly 18000 square meters.

Overview of the site – green shows the structure and red shos the trenches (by Danish Geodata Agency & Pernille Rohde Sloth)

Archaeologists discovered that the enclosure was built in five rows that extend outwards, and the opening in each row appears to be offset from the others. According to the researchers the openings don’t seem to sit next to each of the post rows, making it impossible to look at the inner common space. But so far archaeologists have not yet found any structures or construction in that area that could point them towards any possible purpose for the enclosure.

Excavation site (by Pernille Rohde Sloth)

The rings of enclosure were composed of palisades. The rows of poles would have been around two metres high and weren’t very close together, making it possible to squeeze through them. The archaeologists have not been able to excavate the whole area. Researchers have found single pits of various sizes containing flint tools, waste, and some ceramic fragments.

Artefacts found at the site – decorated pottery and fragments of stone axes (by Dan Nielsen & Museum South-east Denmark)

Archaeologists still date for precise dating of the site but the pottery fragments suggest it could date to the latter part of the Middle Neolithic Funnel Beaker Culture from 2900 BC to 2800 BC.

(after Science Nordic, Danish Geodata Agency, Dan Nielsen, MuseumSouth-east Denmark  & Pernille Rohde Sloth)

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