Thread by @TheOnionGod

1/ Archeology of wars & battlefields, ancient & modern, is a field within itself in archaeological research. It requires a different approach excavation methods, so here is a #thread about a huge battlefield which is about 3,300 years old. Let's start. >>
@nickfshort

2/ >> In 1996, a conservation worker reported he found a humerus bone with an arrowhead in it on the banks of the Tollense River. The river is located in north Germany & initial excavations at the site began the same year, human & animal bones were found and some weapons. >>

3/ >> Since 2007, the area has been excavated by Greifswald University. The excavation included divers excavating in the river, finding more human remains. The main focus is determining the site's perimeter & excavating the main site, covered by 1 m. of accumulation. >>

4/ >> By the end of 2017 almost 500 sq. meters of the site were excavated, with the size of the battlefield being estimated some ten times the excavated area. With the help of geographical and geological research of the valley, the ancient route of the river was determined. >>

5/ >> Remains of at least 140 men were identified, most between the ages of 20-40, & at least two women were identified. About 10,000 human bones & 1,000 animal bones were found, to date, 13,000 bone fragments were found. It is estimated more than 1,000 fighters were killed. >>

6/ >> C14 samples date the site between1300-1200 BC, the, European Bronze Age. It is speculated that the battle lasted no more than a day, a quarter of the skeletons show signs of physical trauma from previous struggles, meaning they moght have been experienced warriors. >>

7/ >> Swords, knives, spears & arrows were used in the battle, & the skulls (over 40 found) show signs of injury in battle, in one skull a bronze arrowhead was found. According to the finds, the two warring parties were equipped with weapons. >>

8/ >> In 2010, a 2.9 cm long Gold spiral ring, weighing 10 grams, was found in the excavations. This is of particular importance due to their rarity & because special equipment is needed to make them, meaning that one of the sides jad a rich economic base. >>

9/ >> According to the archaeologists, this is the oldest battlefield found in an archeological excavation in Europe. The large number of warriors speaks to the fact that they were organized & prepared for battle. >>

* Flint arrowhead in a humerus bone.

10/ >> This is an amazing achievement for that period that also indicates a strong central governing entity.
The Tollense battlefield is truly an extraordinary case and an unexpected find that will be explored for many more years to come.

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