At a time when the needs for economic infrastructure push cities to develop new territories, each site can become an unexpected revealer in buried history. This is what is currently happening in Lüneburg, in Basse-Saxe, where the preparatory work of a future activity park has uncovered an artisanal area dating back to Roman times. Far from being a simple isolated vestige, this site reveals the existence of a real pole of ancient metallurgical production, active for several centuries.
A continuous human occupation revealed by archaeological excavations
The Bilmer Berg II site, located east of Lüneburg in Lower Saxony, reveals much more than a simple episode in local history. The recent archaeological excavations, carried out upstream of the development of an activity park, uncovered a continuous human occupation spanning more than a millennium. It goes from the 8th century BC. Until the 4th century APR. This chronological sequence crosses the end of the Bronze Age, the Hallstatt period, the Imperial Roman era and the beginnings of the period of great migrations.
The structures identified make it possible to identify several phases of housing and economic activities. It is not a punctual habitat, but a territory occupied in a sustainable, structured and productive way. The evolution of the space organization of the site, from craft facilities to life areas, testifies to an adaptation to the socio-economic needs of the different eras.
The first levels contain indications of a modest rural occupation. But the heart of discoveries concerns a much later phase, corresponding to the first centuries after Jesus Christ. The site then takes on a marked craft dimension. The absence of typically military elements excludes the presence of a Roman camp. Nevertheless, it confirms a strong romanization of the region, then located on the fringes of the Empire.
The work is carried out under the coordination of Dr. F. Andraschko, with the participation of the Stadtarchäology of Lüneburg, of students from the University of Hamburg, and in partnership with the company Agil. A close collaboration with actors of local economic development (WLH, GEB MBH) makes it possible to reconcile scientific research and urban development.
An exceptional Roman craft zone by its magnitude and function
What distinguishes the site of Bilmer Berg II from other regional archaeological discoveries is the unprecedented scale of its craft structures, centered on iron metallurgy. More than 100 direct reduction ovens (called Rennöfen) have been identified, accompanied by numerous heating households (or Ausheizherde). All spread over several clearly delimited areas. These installations confirm a massive, organized and durable metal production, probably over several generations.
THE Rennöfen are ovens without crucibles, used to extract iron from the ore by heating in a reductive atmosphere. This process made it possible to obtain a malleable metal, adapted to the manufacture of agricultural tools, weapons or frame components. Their number on this site indicates an almost industrial activity, beyond simple domestic use. According to Tobias Schoo, municipal archaeologist, ” The concentration of these structures exceeds everything we know in Lower Saxony for this period ».
The spatial arrangement of metallurgical installations suggests a certain work organization, reports the press release. Production areas, ore storage spaces and slag evacuation places could be distinguished. This suggests a form of proto-industry, organized collectively, undoubtedly controlled by a local elite.
The site also provides indirect trade indices. The abundance of metallurgical waste and the absence of many finished parts suggest that raw metal was extracted here. Then he saw himself redistributed or transformed elsewhere. This model evokes local, even transregional commercial circuits. On this scale, Bilmer Berg II stands out as a real ancient metallurgical pole.
Everyday objects and a Roman currency at the heart of interpretations
Beyond metallurgical infrastructure, archaeologists have uncovered several everyday objects. They make it possible to enrich the historical and social analysis of the site. These elements, certainly less spectacular, remain essential to understand the exact nature of human occupation and its dynamics.
Among the artifacts discovered are ceramic fragments decorated by stampering, characteristic of local productions influenced by the Roman models. This type of decoration, by roll or punch, is typical of active workshops between the 1st and the 3rd century APR. J.-C, recalls archaeologists for a local newspaper. Its presence suggests a sedentary population, mastering advanced craft techniques.
© City of Lüneburg
Municipal archaeologist Tobias Schoo.
Another notable discovery: a spindle, a small weight used in wool or linen spinning. This object testifies to the practice of textiles on site, and therefore the presence of women or a family environment. It reinforces the idea that the site was not only dedicated to metallurgy, but constituted a real place of life.
The most striking point remains the discovery of a money in silver dated from the beginning of the 2nd century APR. He was found by a volunteer prospector equipped with a metal detector. It is an official Roman currency, struck under an unrecognized emperor, but probably Trajan or Hadrien. Its presence confirms economic exchanges with the provinces of the Empire. It shows that the local population was integrated into a monetary and commercial circulation network.
Urban planning and archeology: a balanced balance for the Bilmer Berg II project
The development of the Bilmer Berg II activity park illustrates a concrete case of successful coexistence between regional planning and safeguarding the archaeological heritage. The municipality of Lüneburg, in connection with the Wirtschaftsförderung IM Landkreis Harburg (WLH) and the GEB MBH, has integrated archaeological excavations into global planning without delaying construction deadlines.
Current excavations focus on the corridor provided for road infrastructure. They must continue in 2026 on the rest of the area. According to René Meyer, head of land at WLH, these steps remain essential, but controlled. “” Development work follows their calendar. The first shovel is maintained for the end of November “Reports Arkeonews.
The objective is twofold: gradually freeing the areas already diagnosed while ensuring complete documentation of buried structures. This strategy is based on targeted surveys, 3D surveys and backup protocols in the event of an unforeseen major discovery.
In addition, the city reflects on forms of educational valuation of the site. Certainly most of the structures will be covered. However, solutions are being studied to integrate the memory of the place in the future urban landscape: signage, explanatory panels, even a heritage path in connection with the business park.
This model shows that an economic development can be accompanied by the enhancement of the past, without partitioning the areas. In Bilmer Berg II, urban planning becomes a lever to make scientific research, public education and territorial strategy dialogue.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
