Archaeologists in Germany have made a fascinating discovery: the 1,700-year-old burial of a ‘barbarian’ who lived on the edge of the Roman Empire. This meticulously crafted grave, dating back to the first half of the fourth century, reveals insights into the lives of these people who resided beyond the Roman frontier.
The grave, found during construction in the village of Gerstetten, holds the remains of a man who died at around 60 years of age. It was built with a wooden chamber and positioned in a prominent location, highlighting the importance of the deceased. The grave goods are particularly revealing, including a high-quality glass beaker that might have originated from the nearby Roman fort at Guntia. Other artifacts, including pottery and a fine-tooth comb, suggest connections to the Elbe-Saale region of central Germany.
The discovery sheds light on the complex relationship between the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes. The northern limit of the Roman Empire in this region, known as the ‘Upper Germanic Limes,’ was heavily fortified. However, the Germanic tribes practiced their own customs and traditions outside the Roman forts. The Romans referred to these Germanic people as ‘barbarians’ due to their different language and customs.
The man buried at Gerstetten was likely one of the Alemanni, a federation of Germanic tribes who lived near the Upper Rhine Valley. Alemanni graves from this period are rare in the region, usually found in groups. This discovery suggests that there may be more graves in the area, waiting to be uncovered.
The artifacts from the grave are now being restored, while the skeletal remains are being studied by archaeologists. Radiocarbon dating has determined that the man was buried between A.D. 263 and 342, providing a precise timeframe for this fascinating glimpse into the past. This find offers a unique window into the lives of people living on the edge of the Roman Empire, revealing their customs, trade connections, and their distinct way of life.
