Archaeologists have discovered a wooden well containing a wealth of artifacts in the town of Germering, Bavaria, Germany. The artifacts found include wooden, stone, and ancient ceramic materials, which are considered crucial for understanding the history and daily life of ancient peoples in the region.
Previously, archaeologists had uncovered around 70 ancient wells in Bavaria. However, none of them contained as much “treasure” as this newly discovered wooden well.
For ancient civilizations, water was regarded as a primary source for sustaining all life, especially for agricultural sustainability. This is also why natural water sources were often ritualized. In ancient times, wells were common gathering places for people, making them central locations for community interaction.
Ancient peoples might have dropped jewelry or pottery into wells as offerings, similar to how modern individuals toss coins into fountains for good luck.
This wooden well is over 5,000 years old. (Photo: Marcus Guckenbiehl)
According to archaeologists, the newly discovered wooden well dates back over 3,000 years and is approximately 5 meters deep. This depth indicates that this well is significantly deeper than other wells of its kind. The research team also found that the bottom of the well is almost completely intact and contains a collection of ritual deposits from around 3,000 years ago during the Bronze Age.
Dr. Jochen Haberstroh, an archaeologist at the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments (BLFD), stated: “It is very rare for a well to exist for more than 3,000 years and remain in such good condition. The wooden structure has been preserved intact, and the bottom of the well still retains some moisture due to groundwater.”
This explains why the artifacts made from organic materials found in the well are still in good condition. They are currently undergoing thorough examination by researchers. Experts hope that this new discovery will provide more insights into the daily lives of the residents of that era.
Ceramics found at the bottom of the ancient well. (Photo: Marcus Guckenbiehl).
Additionally, in the well, the team of archaeologists also discovered 26 bronze clothing pins, a bracelet, two metal spiral rings, an animal tooth, an amber bead necklace, and over 70 ceramic vessels. Experts emphasize that these artifacts make this wooden well particularly special compared to others in the excavation area.
According to experts, the valuable items found are typically discovered in mid-Bronze Age tombs, not as everyday items. Their intact condition upon discovery at the bottom of the well suggests that these objects were carefully lowered into the water, rather than being tossed or thrown in.
In addition to ceramics, archaeologists found various jewelry items in the well. (Photo: Marcus Guckenbiehl).
Expert Mathias Pfeil at the BLFD noted: “We cannot precisely explain why ancient residents offered jewelry and other valuable gifts 3,000 years ago. However, it is possible that they were used as sacrifices to ensure a bountiful harvest.”
Furthermore, experts believe that the unusual characteristics of the wooden well also provide additional information.
According to archaeologist Marcus Guckenbiehl in Germering: “The depth of the well suggests it was used at a time when groundwater levels significantly dropped. This indicates prolonged drought and poor harvest yields. This may also explain why the residents at that time sacrificed a portion of their possessions into the well as offerings to the gods.”
The Oldest Wells in the World
Previously, archaeologists discovered a well dating back 7,000 years in the Czech Republic in February 2020. This is considered the oldest known well in the world.
The well was found during construction of the D35 highway near the town of Ostrov in the Karlovy Vary District, Karlovarský Region, Czech Republic.
7,000-year-old wooden well found in the Czech Republic. (Photo: University of Pardubice).
After analyzing the growth rings of the wood surrounding the well, archaeologists reported that the ancient well was constructed from oak wood and dates back to around 5256 BCE.
According to experts, the ancient well measures 140 cm in length and has an area of 80 cm². The design of the wooden well shows that ancient residents were able to create grooves in the posts to stack wooden planks on top of each other using only stone, bone, wood, or horn tools. This surprised archaeologists due to the advanced construction techniques used by ancient peoples, who were able to manipulate the surfaces of tree trunks accurately with only primitive tools.
Researcher Karol Bayer at the University of Pardubice, Czech Republic, stated that the ancient well remains well-preserved because it has been submerged underwater for centuries. However, researchers have also developed a process to dry and preserve the ancient well without distorting or damaging its structure by using sugar to help reinforce the wooden structure.
