Celtic finds from the largest oppidum in mainland Europe at the KeltenMuseum in Heidengraben, Germany

Celtic finds from the largest oppidum in mainland Europe at the KeltenMuseum in Heidengraben, Germany.
The oppidum at Heidengraben is thought to have been created in the late La Tène period (late 2nd century BCE to early 1st century BCE). In addition to agriculture, the population had artisans engaged in metal working and glass production. Fragments of Roman amphorae dating from 130-90 BCE indicate a significant amount of Roman wine was imported and probably enjoyed by a rich elite. However, no burial site dating to the oppidum period has been discovered. The oppidum was abandoned in the first half of the 1st century BCE but archaeologists have been unable to determine a cause. Researchers speculate that since this abandonment coincides with the abandonment of other oppida in that period, it may have been due to fundamental changes in social, economic or political circumstances. The Romans occupied the area beginning in 85 CE and evidence of farms as well as mansiones have been found. After the Romans left in about 260 CE, however, the site appears to have been abandoned until the 7th century CE when it was resettled by the Alemanni. Items on display include pottery, glass, jewelry, amphora remains, coins, and grave goods. Other findings can be viewed at the museum of the University of Tübingen.


Image: Heidengraben Guide "Divico of the Tiguriner" courtesy of the museum.

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