Archaeologists have discovered the grave of a Celtic prince in Germany.

In the Taunus Mountains in Hesse, Germany, archaeologists have discovered the first "princely burial" of ancient Celts in this region, dating back to the beginning of the Iron Age. The find has already been called one of the most important discoveries in the history of the region. This was reported by Arkeonews magazine on June 8.

The burial site was discovered by chance in the Bad Kamberg area during archaeological work preceding the construction of a solar power plant. Geomagnetic survey revealed the outlines of a monumental complex underground — a circular structure with a rectangular anomaly inside. During the first excavations, an excavator bucket brought fragments of an iron spearhead to the surface, which confirmed the presence of a burial chamber.

Although the wooden walls of the tomb and the remains of the man himself have completely decomposed over 2.5 thousand years, the funeral equipment has been preserved in excellent condition. Three massive gold rings stand out among the finds. Researchers believe that the deceased wore them on his neck, arm and finger. According to scientists, in Early Iron Age Europe, such objects were visible markers of rank, identity, and social power.

The remains of a two-wheeled cart were also found inside the grave. Archaeologists have discovered iron wheel rims up to 1.2 m in diameter, which were probably removed from the axle and propped against the wall of the chamber. Judging by the bronze trim details, the vehicle was richly decorated.

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Another important detail was an imported bronze jug of Etruscan origin. According to scientists, the presence of a Mediterranean vessel indicates the buried person's participation in diplomatic contacts or prestigious drinking rituals that connected the local elite with the southern world.

In total, about 100 artifacts were collected at the excavation site, including bronze beads, belt parts and ceramic vessels. Currently, the fragile objects are being studied by specialists of the State Office for the Protection of Monuments in Wiesbaden using radiography.

The identity of the deceased remains uncertain. The presence of weapons and a chariot traditionally indicates a male warrior, but archaeologists do not exclude the version of a female elite burial, which is also known to science. According to preliminary estimates, the find dates back to the first half of the 5th century BC. This discovery proves that the Taunus region in the Early Iron Age was home to influential communities with access to the resources and trade routes of Europe.

On June 8, Popular Science magazine reported the discovery of a burial site with decapitated skeletons in Slovakia. According to the publication, the remains of at least 78 people were found in the grave, 77 of whom were missing skulls. The scientists also pointed to the skilful separation of the skulls. According to the researchers, this indicates a previously unknown ritual.