50 years of Osnabrück archeology: finds from 200,000 years of history!

50 years of Osnabrück archeology: finds from 200,000 years of history!

Osnabrück, Deutschland - In Osnabrück, the annual conference of the Archaeological Commission for Lower Saxony e.V. was held recently, which celebrated an important anniversary: ​​50 years of urban and district archeology. This joint department of the city and district, which has existed since 1975, has established itself as a valuable institution in the past decades. Over 100 archaeologists from all over Lower Saxony came together to take part in this important event. The conference was opened by District Councilor Matthias Selle and the first city councilor Wolfgang Beckermann. The participants were able to look forward to various lectures, working meetings and a general meeting that took place both in the district house and in the Museum am Schölerberg. As reported district-osnabrueck.de, the focus of the discussions on the role of municipal ground monument facilities and their importance for the regional identity.

A special highlight was the evening lecture "across all times- 50 years of city and district archeology Osnabrück", which was held by Axel Friederichs and Sara Snowadskay. In the past 50 years, Osnabrück archeology has documented numerous ground monuments and sites, and the excursion that led through the old town offered the participants the opportunity to experience some of these sites live. Further lectures and tours are already planned for the second half of the year, including an archaeological city walk and a visit to the work rooms. A special exhibition, designed by Judith Franzen, is also presented in the district house and addresses the archaeological beginnings of this region.

archaeological excavations on the Roland wall

While the annual conference caused a lot of interest, interesting archaeological excavations are also carried out at the Rolands wall. On Tuesday morning, the archaeologists faced an unexpected challenge: Despite the sunshine, the ground was so frozen that the planned work could not begin. A team of archaeologists and students from Münster, led by Ellinor Fischer and Sara Snowadsky, is currently looking for information on the city history of Osnabrück. The excavations concentrate on the outer wall of the former Hünnefeld nobility, which was destroyed in the Second World War. Historical maps have helped the archaeologist to locate the location of the court, which was observed by the Bussche-Hünnefeld family in the 16th century, and whose history extends to the 14th century.

The excavation is not only an important historical project, but also an opportunity for laypersons to look at the finds: On February 25, an “open excavation” takes place. The archaeologists hope for exciting discoveries such as fountains or cellars that could provide valuable information on the history of the city. The previous finds include horseshoes, jugs and animal bones, dated different epochs since the 8th century. The population can also look forward to results, since some of the finds later are to be issued in the new school building. This new building is to be realized after the summer holidays in 2024 to make room for the new Peace School.

The Osnabrück archeology has registered in its action area of ​​around 2,250 square kilometers over 9,000 archaeological sites. The database comprises almost 55,000 find records, although the actual number of finds is far higher. These impressive numbers show how lively and versatile the archaeological landscape in the region is. In the coming months, too, the citizens of Osnabrück will have the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating story and to actively participate. Find out more about further events on Service.osnabrueck.de and stay tuned! The archaeologists are not only the keepers of history, but also link between the past and the future of our city.