Approximately 150 so-called circular enclosures, which are circular or elliptical roughly concentric constructions of ditches and palisades with a diameter between 40 and up to 250 m, are known from the Central and Eastern European Middle Neolithic (first part of the 5th millennium BCE). Few have undergone thorough and organized archaeological examination. The purpose of these substantial structures is still the subject of heated debate. There have been other potential interpretations, including primary meeting locations, livestock enclosures, protective constructions, astronomical observatories, or areas for religious activity.
Aerial view of the Middle Neolithic circular enclosure of Goseck. Credit: State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt
Dr. Norma Henkel has published the research findings from the fully excavated circular enclosure at Goseck, Burgenlandkreis, Saxony-Anhalt, which adds new information to the understanding of these still-mysterious structures. The title of the item is "The Middle Neolithic circular ditch complex of Goseck, Burgenlandkreis," and it can be found in the publications of the Saxony-Anhalt State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archaeology—State Museum of Prehistory (in German only).
Otto Braasch made the discovery of the Goseck Middle Neolithic circular ditch (Stichbandkeramik culture, roughly 4900 to 4600/4550 BCE) in 1991 while conducting aerial archaeological research. It was fully excavated between 2002 and 2004 as part of a collaboration effort between the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt (LDA).
The complex was totally rebuilt on the spot and has been accessible to the public since 2005 as a result of the excavations' outstanding results. Between 2005 and 2013, a sizable project directed by Prof. Dr. François Bertemes (MLU) that examined the circular enclosure's location within the contemporary settlement environment was carried out.
A ditch, maybe a rampart in front of it, and two concentric palisade wreaths that define the complex's interior make up the Goseck circular perimeter. The north, southeast, and southwest were its three entrances. Both within and outside the building, several pits were discovered, the majority of which were filled with pottery and animal bones. Numerous data suggest that the structure serves a religious purpose.
About 30 cow horn cores were also discovered in the vicinity of the circular ditch, together with a startlingly high frequency of cattle skull fragments. Additionally, cattle are by far the most prevalent species in the circular enclosure's animal bone spectrum. It is clear that cattle have a specific significance and symbolic meaning for many Neolithic communities.
The outer palisade creates a pit that is roughly 1.6 m by 1.3 m in size in the southeast. There are various strange things about the pit. Its walls have suffered significant burns. In Goseck, the system of circular ditches contains numerous pits with signs of fire. In addition to flame markings, this hole held an adult person's bones. Only fragments of the extremities, as well as no skull or torso bones, were discovered. It can be presumed that the bones were placed in a largely skeletonized form because they were no longer in an anatomical composition. Five phalanges and metacarpal bones from a human right hand were found in another hole. The bones belonged to a male youngster or adult and were laid in anatomical order.
In addition to these discoveries, astrological evidence suggests that the circular enclosure served a religious purpose. The dawn and sunset of significant astronomical events may be accurately anticipated and witnessed from a spot roughly in the center of the building to within a few days. The two culverts in the south-east and south-west are where the most crucial lines of sight cross. The circular ditch only reflects the gaps in the fence here. They line up with the sun's rising and setting positions on December 21, the winter solstice. Other passages in the palisade make reference to Beltaine (April 30) and the summer solstice (June 21).
