Archaeologists have discovered an unusual round stone tomb in southern Germany, in Bavaria. According to the results of the study, the structure, erected during the Roman Empire, turned out to be completely empty. Scientists suggest that it was created as a monument in honor of a person buried elsewhere. This is reports Live Science.
The find was made during construction work in the village of Volkertshofen. During the excavations, archaeologists, working together with the builders, came across fragments of ceramics, after which they discovered a massive round stone foundation with a diameter of about 12 meters. A stone square was discovered next to the circle – it is likely that a statue or tombstone once stood on it.
According to the researchers, the tomb was built next to an ancient Roman road. Its shape and the arrangement of the stones indicate that it was erected during the period when this territory was part of the Roman province of Rhaetia. Although similar Roman tombs have previously been found in Central Europe and Italy, such a structure is extremely rare for Germany. Usually monuments of this type belong to earlier historical eras.
A feature of the tomb found is that no human remains or burial goods were found inside. According to archaeologists, this may indicate that it was symbolic – that is, built as a memorial to honor a person who was buried elsewhere. This version is also supported by the proximity of the tomb to the Roman road and the remains of a country estate.
According to scientists, this structure simultaneously served as a place of remembrance and a demonstration of social status. They note that they did not expect to find a funerary monument of such a significant size and antiquity in Bavaria. Further research into the tomb and the surrounding area will help to better understand how the Romans lived in the territory of modern Bavaria.
