In a message dated 97-06-21 04:29:59 EDT, Kris Utterback writes:
> "I recently learned that in 1965, the grave of a 7th century warrior was
> found next to the foundation of my family ancestral home in Ossendorf,
> Germany. The grave included at least one warrior (the description is a
> little unclear) buried with spear or sword, shield and medals. There
> was also a grave holding the warrior's horse or horses. The question I
> have is: Is this a significant find? And where would be the likely
> place for a find like this to be housed today?"
>
These are found all over northern Europe. Whether important would be known
to the scholars who did the actual excavating. Could have been from a tribe
not previously known to have been in that area, etc.
<Always>, when something like this is found, contact your local university
and get professionals out to do the excavating. Two reasons. First, many
European countries (I don't know about Germany) have laws identifying these
things as national treasures and they belong to the government. So it
doesn't belong to the finder or even the property owner.
Second, digging it up yourself with a shovel may or will destroy evidence
that can be of scholarly interest. Example, when Heinrich Schlimann
excavated Troy in the mid-1800s, he had the mentality of a treasure hunter.
He was so anxious to find golden vases that he messed up things like the
foundations of old houses. These can show, for example, whether and when
there were floods in the area.
Also, what is a property owner going to do with a dead man and his dead
horse? Professionals might want to run all kinds of tests that can turn up
useful information.
Sounds to me like professionals were involved if the remains are known to be
7th century. Get back to them for more information. Or start with your
local university, which can help track the information down.
Kris, educate your students to do the same with Indian graves. If your
college has an archaeology department, they might be able to send someone
over toi explain to your classes how a "dig" is conducted.
pat sloane
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