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Introduction Houses and workshops Mansio, gate and fortification |
Temples Bridge and harbour Burials |
To the north-east of the settlement, at the localities Keltenweg and Römermatte, burials were excavated in 1991-1992 and 2000. Much of the necropolis had been destroyed during the construction of roads, in 1863 and 1955. On the Keltenweg 52 graves were found, 44 cremations and eight inhumations. On the Römermatte 19 cremations were excavated. The deceased were men, on average 1.71 m. tall, women, on average 1.65 m. tall, and infants. The tombs belong to the second half of the first and to the second century.
Plan with the burials at locality Keltenweg. Bacher et al. 2006, Abb. 15.
On the Keltenweg clusters of tombs could be distinguished, probably linked to families, separated by paths. Most bodies were cremated on pyres near the tomb. In two cases this was done above the tomb. A pit was dug into the ground, about 40-50 cm. deep. In the pit a wooden chest was placed with the ashes. On top of the grave a small mound was made, up to 50 cm. high. It was normally surrounded by a trench, sometimes by a stone wall. Presumably a wooden board with a text was fixed on top of the mound.
Phases of the burial. Bacher et al. 2006, Abb. 29.
The burning of the corpse and the grave goods on a pyre.
The collecting of the burned bones, which are packed in a wooden box and buried in a small pit.
The raising of a small mound, surrounded by a ditch.
A grave marker was placed on the hill, providing information about the deceased.The grave goods were burned together with the deceased. Most of the grave goods were ceramics, including imitation terra sigillata from the workshop of the local potter Macrinus (perhaps Macrinus himself was buried here). Writing tools, seals, a key and many coins were found. Of particular interest are five terracotta figures: a couple, a deer, a dog, a moufflon, and a rabbit.
Terracotta grave goods: a couple (h. 0.135) and a moufflon. Photo: Archäologischer Dienst des Kantons Bern.
Introduction
Houses and workshops
Mansio, gate and fortificationTemples
Bridge and harbour
Burials
[30-Oct-2023]
