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Princely Celtic Tomb Uncovered During Solar Park Construction in Germany

Bad camberg: Archaeologists in Germany have uncovered a princely Celtic tomb dating back over two millennia, containing rare grave goods, a discovery that experts describe as being of European significance. The burial site was found near Bad Camberg, Hesse, during surveys for a planned solar park. This marks the first time a Celtic princely grave has been discovered during construction work linked to a solar park, according to Hesse state archaeologist Udo Recker. According to Anadolu Agency, the items recovered include several gold rings, an Etruscan beaked jug believed to have been imported from present-day Tuscany, Italy, and the remains of weapons. Archaeologists also uncovered traces of a two-wheeled wagon, including non-ferrous metal fittings from the wheel hubs and axle caps, as well as iron tire fittings. The findings suggest that the individual buried in the tomb was likely a man, as noted by Recker. The discovery proves "the previously only assumed presence of a local Celtic elite." The burial sit e is believed to date to the middle of the first millennium BC and has been linked to the Hunsruck-Eifel culture. Experts noted that the site is one of very few Celtic wagon burials discovered to date, with only about three comparable graves known in Hesse, none matching the quality of the finds from Bad Camberg. Further examination of the grave will involve advanced investigative techniques. Archaeologists hope these analyses will provide new insights into life during the Iron Age more than 2,000 years ago. Imaging methods, including X-rays and CT scans, indicate that additional objects remain buried within the grave and have yet to be uncovered. Kai Muckenberger, an archaeologist involved with the discovery, described the find as unprecedented in his career, stating, "You only make a find like this once in your archaeological career."