A recent discovery in the Czech Republic has archaeologists excited about what may be Europe’s largest prehistoric burial mound. The burial mound, known as a barrow, is approximately 620 feet long and 50 feet wide, making it one of the oldest funeral monuments ever found in Europe.
Dating back to the fourth millennium B.C., the burial mound is believed to have been built by the Funnel-Beaker people, who lived in the area between 3800 and 3350 B.C. The Funnel-Beaker people were known for their distinctive pottery vessels, which were often included as grave goods in their burials.
The discovery was made during excavations along a highway route near the city of Hradec Králové, east of Prague. In addition to the central burials within the barrow, which are believed to be those of high-status individuals, around 30 graves from the same time period have been found nearby.
The barrow, which was no longer visible on the surface due to farming activities, was initially identified by evidence of a surrounding trench. The two central burials within the barrow contain the skeletons of adults lying on their left sides with their heads facing north. One of the individuals was buried with a pottery vessel, while the other contained worked pieces of flint.
Further analysis of the site is ongoing, with researchers hoping to determine the relationships between the individuals buried at the site. The discovery of multiple graves within the barrow suggests that it was used as a burial site over several generations, making it an important ritual place in the landscape at the time.
This significant find sheds light on the burial practices and rituals of prehistoric communities in Europe, providing valuable insights into their beliefs and customs. Stay tuned for more updates as researchers continue to uncover the mysteries of this ancient burial mound.
