Unearthed in 1968 near Hochdorf an der Enz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany by a hobby archaeologist and fully excavated in 1978/79, the burial chamber of the Hochdorf Chieftain is a beautifully adorned Celtic tomb dating back to 530 BC. This grave is one of roughly 100 similar burial sites from the latter part of the sixth century BC found in France, Switzerland, and Germany.
The man buried in the grave was placed on a luxurious 9 ft bronze couch with wheels that was beautifully decorated. He was around 40 years old and stood out for being unusually tall during the Iron Ages, standing just over 6 ft tall. Based on the artifacts found alongside him, it is likely that he was a Celtic chieftain.
Rebuilding the Celtic burial site in the museum. Image Source
Recreating the tomb of a Celtic prince in Hochdorf, Germany, revealed a treasure trove of well-preserved funeral objects that provided valuable insights into the lives of the Celtic rulers. Among the relics found were a gold-plated torque around his neck, amber jewelry, a gold-plated dagger crafted from bronze and iron, a bracelet on his right arm, a pail clipper, a comb, fishing hooks, a flat cone-shaped hat made of birch bark embellished with circle patterns and punched decorations, arrows, a razor knife, and notably, intricately embossed gold plaques that once adorned his now-disintegrated shoes.
Image courtesy of Hochdorf Chieftain’s Grave showcasing intricate gold shoe decorations.
The entrance to the mound was situated to the north, surrounded by a stone ring and oak posts. Inside, there was an iron-plated, wooden, four-wheeled wagon containing a collection of bronze dishes – along with the drinking horns hanging on the walls, enough to accommodate nine people. The one designated for the host was intricately embellished with gold, featuring beads crafted from bones on the tip.
The biggest and most valuable beverage vessel in the assortment. Photo Credit
Celtic artifacts, discovered in Hochdorf, Württemberg State Museum. This photo shows a gilded bronze and iron dagger, measuring around 14 inches in length. It was prepared for the prince’s journey into the afterlife, as it was carried by him in his lifetime within a beautifully decorated sheath.
The burial included a gold coating comprised of 16 intricately fitted parts on the dagger, without any gaps. Beside the deceased was a substantial bronze cauldron, brimming with sweet mead.
This Celtic burial mound serves as a substitute for the missing Greek one. The photo credit goes to the owner.
The burial site is a massive mound that was approximately 20 feet (6 meters) tall and 197 yards (60 meters) in diameter when originally built. Over time, erosion and agricultural use caused it to shrink to about 3 feet (1 meter) in height, making it barely recognizable. After careful examination, the burial mound was reconstructed in 1985 to restore it to its original height.
The grave cart, packed with goods, was restored to its former glory. A museum honoring the grave was constructed nearby, revealing the ancient Celtic village to which the chieftain likely belonged. Artifacts from this excavation were showcased in the museum.
