Sensational finds in Kassel: Archaeologists reveal pre-Christian traces!

Sensational finds in Kassel: Archaeologists reveal pre-Christian traces!

Archaeologists have made exciting finds on Georg-Stock-Platz in Kassel that point to a complex settlement history. As part of the excavations carried out by the Scientific Subsoil Archeology (Wiba) from Marburg, pits were discovered that may indicate early use of the site. The city of Kassel plans not only to continue the excavations, but even to expand them in order to reveal further secrets of the city's history. HNA reports that the excavations were originally started with the aim of finding remains of a cross-shaped church and a small cemetery.

However, after removing the war rubble, the archaeologists had to dig deeper than planned and came across a 40 cm wide wall foundation at a depth of around 2.20 meters. The origin of this find remains unclear and leaves room for speculation. While a discovered human lower jaw could indicate a burial site, it does not provide definitive evidence of a cemetery. At a depth of about two meters, the researchers found a fireplace filled with ashes and various vessels, including iron, bronze and glass. These finds were brought to Marburg for further examination.

Early traces of settlement

The pits that were discovered next to a quarry stone wall, which may date from the late Middle Ages, provide particular information. These pits indicate an early settlement, which probably dates back to the pre-Christian period and was used for storage and waste disposal. In another pit, the archaeologists found remains of a house from the second half of the 19th century, as well as an older field stone wall.

The city of Kassel has announced that it will extend the work by two to four weeks in order to take the scientists' thirst for knowledge into account. Curiosity about our city's past has been piqued, and it remains to be seen what other surprises will come to light.

Archaeological treasures elsewhere

The excavations in the city are not just limited to Georg-Stock-Platz. In May 2025, excavations took place on Weserstrasse, which led to the discovery of the remains of the old Judengasse. This work is part of a project to build accommodation for trainees on the site where the Judengasse used to be, first mentioned in 1262. The Hessian State Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels, as well as Kassel Mayor Sven Schoeller and other important personalities were present. According to Archaeology42, the finds also revealed an intact boiled chicken egg, symbolizing the sudden destruction caused by an air raid in 1943.

The excavations on Weserstrasse also included exciting discoveries such as house walls, paving, cooking kettles and other remains that provide important insights into everyday life at the time. Despite intensive investigations, there has so far been no evidence of religiously influenced Jewish cultural property. The archaeological work is the most extensive in Kassel in recent years and is scheduled to continue until the end of May 2025.