Leben am Ochsenweg – die völkerwanderungszeitliche Siedlung von Kropp

Abstract

Between April 2023 and January 2024, a development-lead archaeological excavation
was conducted at the northern edge of
Kropp municipality in Schleswig-Holstein.
The excavation aimed to investigate numerous findings indicating a large settlement
from the Migration Period, covering anarea of 7.5 hectares. The very well-preserved
remains revealed a one-phase Haufendorf (clustered village) with detailed insights
into its structure and organization, including the central area and surrounding
farmsteads. The settlement featured twelve main farmsteads, each with longhouses, 
enclosures, and specialized buildings, some with unique functions suggesting social or
ritual significance. Notable findings include well-preserved building plans of longhouses
with internal divisions, wagon traces, and evidence of possible ritual activities such as
sacrificial offerings.The settlement appears to have been intentionally abandoned and
burned after a short period of occupation, likely due to environmental factors like
groundwater levels. The excellent preservation conditions provided valuable information
on the socio-economic and spiritual aspects of early medieval rural life, offering a
rare comprehensive view of a 5thcentury AD village in Schleswig-Holstein.