Germany, Manching

Manching - Celtic oppidum, Bavaria

The Roman-German Commission of the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut is in charge of the academic administration of the project.

Location

The settlement is conveniently located on a plain not far from Ingolstadt on the estuary of the Paar at the Danube.

History

The city wall, measuring at one time 7 km, encompasses 380 hectares of the largely settled surface. Today, only sections of the ramparts and two projecting gate towers are identifiable and can be seen from an archaeological footpath.
In 1937 the first systematic investigation of the wall sections were undertaken. Since 1955, the RGK has conducted excavation campaigns along with structural surveys (financed by the DFG, LfD and others) in the course of which over 10 hectares of the settlement area has been uncovered. The Commission is also responsible for the evaluation and publication of the excavation results. 

Objectives

An attempt is being made to acquire the most thorough knowledge possible of the formation and decline of the best-explored Celtic oppidum in Germany. Crucial objectives are the reconstruction of daily life (utilitarian objects, architecture), municipal infrastructure, expressions of religion and various other organizational entities (e.g. trade) including the factors connected with them that have lead to urbanization and that have allowed Manching to become an integral part of oppidum civilization. 

Previous Activities

The settlement founded at the end of the fourth century quickly developed into a central location with an extensive grid-plan street system, sanctuaries and other official facilities. Integral to this settlement is the presence of an armed elite, the establishment of specialized craftsmen, the local mint and abundant import goods. At the end of the second century B.C., a period of unrest emerged that resulted in the construction of a city wall to enclose the settlement area as well as the agricultural land. The decline of the settlement is estimated to have occurred around the middle of the first century B.C. 

Current Work

From 1996 until 1999, a 6-hectare surface area to the NE of the oppidum is being carried out as part of a building survey project. This sector links a probable harbor with the east-west axis running through Manching and should provide insights into the organization of the settlement. 

Results

Cooperation

Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege, Prähistorische Staatsammlung München, the city of Ingolstadt and the business community in Manching. 

Contact

Dr. phil. Susanne Sievers

Telefon: 069-975818-27
Telefax: 069-975818-40
Email: sievers@rgk.dainst.de

Sponsors

Bibliography

Die Ausgrabung in Manching Bd. 1-15, as well as numerous articles in the journal Germania.