Uelzen discovers trade secrets: archeology at the Oldenstadt daycare center!

Uelzen discovers trade secrets: archeology at the Oldenstadt daycare center!

In the Lower Saxony town of Uelzen, a fascinating history of early trade is currently being uncovered during excavations at the Oldenstadt daycare center. Archaeologists from the specialist company KC-Archaeology from Hesse discovered Rhenish fine ceramics there, which is known as “Pingsdorfer Ware”. These finds date from the period between the 9th and 11th centuries and suggest that the “Ullishusen” settlement was active in long-distance trade even before the monastery was founded. Dr. Matthias Hensch, city archaeologist in Uelzen, explains that the oldest ceramics date back to the early 8th century, which dates them around 250 years before the monastery was founded. This opens a new chapter in the history of the region, because previously known finds of this type were limited to trading centers such as Hamburg and Lüneburg, while Uelzen now also plays a role.

The discovery of Pingsdorf goods, which were produced primarily between the late 9th and 13th centuries on the eastern edge of the Rhenish foothills, shows how extensive the trade networks of their time were. These ceramics are characteristic for their fine sand and the engobe painting, which was made from ferrous clay slip. According to Wikipedia, the spectrum of forms is extensive and extends from pots to early oven tiles, which were widespread as far as England and Scandinavia.

Excavations and future developments

The archaeological investigations, which are supervised by the Uelzen City Archeology Department, are part of the preparation for the expansion and renovation of the Oldenstadt daycare center. These measures are important because construction work will begin once the excavations have been completed, which should be completed in around two to three weeks. The community is planning an expansion that will include a new multi-purpose room and larger staff rooms. Overall, the construction costs amount to around 1.4 million euros, of which 700,000 euros will come from funding from the district.

The ceramic finds not only provide evidence of long-distance trade, but also metal processing and jewelry production in the region, and thus provide deeper insights into life at that time. The Pingsdorf ware is considered an important “time marker” for Central and Northern European medieval archeology, as it can be found in numerous settlements in this geographical area. With the new discoveries, the history of the Uelzen region will be enriched by several interesting facets, and it will be exciting to see what other secrets the earth will reveal in the coming weeks.

The city of Uelzen is proud of this archaeological heritage and the opportunity to expand knowledge about the region's cultural roots. A look into the past could open up new perspectives not only for historical researchers, but also for the city's citizens. As the excavations progress, anticipation grows about how the modernization of the Oldenstadt daycare center will be combined with a look back at history.