A treasure that astonishes in many ways but once represented the highest noble status has been unearthed from the 1,400-year-old grave of a mysterious medieval woman.
Archaeologists have previously discovered numerous high-value treasures in ancient tombs, such as coins, weapons, jewelry, and more. However, the latest find in Germany is unique: a folding iron chair with a modern design, buried alongside its female owner 1,400 years ago.
While this may seem like an ordinary object to modern individuals, in 600 BC, when the use of iron was still in its infancy, it was an unparalleled treasure, transcending time—especially with a design identical to contemporary styles.
Close-up of the “timeless treasure” unearthed by German archaeologists – (Photo: BLfD)
According to a research team from the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Monuments (BLfD), the ancient tomb containing this strange burial item was excavated in the village of Endsee in southeastern Germany.
Live Science quotes archaeologist Hubert Fehr from BLfD, stating that the chair has a frame size of 70×45 cm, similar to the compact folding chairs we often use for outdoor seating or bring on picnics. The chair was buried with a woman in her 40s or 50s.
Although her identity has not been revealed, the folding chair is enough to indicate that she must have held a very high social status in that community, someone favored with a rare burial item, crafted specifically or imported.
Within the layers of rust on the chair, archaeologists also found remnants of wood and leather. It seems the woman was placed on this “throne” before being interred in the tomb.
In fact, iron folding chairs have been found in several ancient tombs, but they are extremely rare and usually accompanied by other luxurious burial items, leading to the conclusion that this is a symbolic object—the individual buried must have been a noble, lord, or lady, or part of other high social strata such as priests or high-ranking officers.
This woman’s grave also contained a variety of other treasures, including a pearl necklace made of colorful glass, an intricately designed belt adorned with various decorations, and a spinning tool…
A beautifully patterned glass bead has helped scientists date the tomb.
Not far from this site, archaeologists also identified the tomb of another mysterious man, equally lavish with many weapons such as spears, shields, a sheep comb, belts, and expensive pouches…
Researchers plan to X-ray the chair to uncover more clues.
