Archaeologists in southwestern Germany have uncovered a 2,600-year-old Celtic burial chamber on the Danube Plain near Riedlingen. The site, part of a large “princely burial mound,” likely belonged to a high-ranking Celtic individual, possibly a warrior or chieftain. The wooden chamber, remarkably preserved by groundwater, was built from mᴀssive oak planks, though ancient grave robbers had looted parts of it.

Despite the looting, archaeologists found bronze and iron fragments, hinting at the presence of a chariot. Human remains, including a young male aged 15 to 20 years and another man buried later, suggest their social importance.

The rare preservation of the wooden structure, thanks to unique hydrological conditions, allowed precise dating to 585 BC. The discovery of the grave robbers’ tunnel also reveals how valuables were targeted. This find offers valuable insights into Celtic burial practices, society, and their elaborate tomb constructions.

Between 620 B.C. and 450 B.C., the Celtic peoples of southwestern Germany built “princely burial mounds” to commemorate high-ranking individuals. Archaeologists recently uncovered one of these mounds near Riedlingen that dates back to the 6th century B.C.E. The find is especially rare due to the remarkably well-preserved oak wood chamber at its center.