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Science Frontiers ONLINE No. 91: Jan-Feb 1994 |
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A LARGE CELTIC PYRAMID IN GERMANY?
We usually think of Germany as a land of old castles rather than ancient pyramids. Yet, W.-J. Langbien sends this English summary of an article that has appeared in a German magazine:
"Magazin fur Grenzwissenshaften has received information about a Celtic monument from an amateur archeologist. Walter Haug contacted us and described this prehistoric structure. He had attempted to bring about an investigation by German federal agencies. However, this was refused. The professional archeologists are of the opinion that they are dealing with a quarry. MG investigated the matter. We visited this alleged early quarry and discovered a few things! We thought it odd that that it's been classified as a Roman or Celtic quarry.
"The site itself is located in the Sternenfels district about 25 km west of Pfortzheim/Baden-Wurttemberg.
"The structure consists of:
- An almost central dome-hill laid in brick, surrounded by natural, hewn stones.
- The dome-hill (height: 15-18 m; length: 100 m; width: 60-80 m) was stacked blockwise with Keuper sandstones and clay slate.
- The structure's volume is estimated at about 60,000 cubic meters, which corresponds to about 100,000 tons of rock.
- The encompassing artificial rock walls are thought to have served as a quarry for the manufacture of the dome stratification.
- These rock walls were hewn artificially with tools after the quarrying of the dome stones...a place of worship?
- According to the map, this dome structure forms a connecting axis with other Celtic sites in this area."
Summarizing additional data from the translation: (1) This is the largest pyramid in Europe; (2) The surrounding rock walls show tool marks, several petroglyphs, and Celtic symbols; and (3) It is suspected that this site might have been used for ritual purposes.
(Magazin fur Grenzwissenschaften, no. 5, 1993. Cr. W.-J. Langbein)