Why Was The Medieval Town Of Wagrain Suddenly Abandoned 1,300 Years Ago?

Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - Archaeologists have recently uncovered a Medieval town in Oberschleißheim, a municipality in Munich's district, Germany, during construction work. This discovery has sparked numerous questions.

Credit: Adobe Stock - lucky pics

The site on the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) grounds reveals remnants of an unknown medieval settlement. According to the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD), findings include house plans, ovens, pit houses, cellars, and traces of a church dating from the 9th to 13th centuries AD.

The structures are believed to have been built between the 8th and 13th centuries before being abandoned in the early 14th century. Around this church area, archaeologists discovered bones belonging to 20 individuals. Researchers suspect that more secrets lie beneath what was once the church floor.

Among these discoveries are two individuals buried within the church itself—a practice known during that era as being reserved for society's elite due to its prestigious nature. While detailed information about these burials remains limited at present time; it is clear they hold significant historical importance from Medieval times when such interments were highly esteemed practices among influential figures or families alike who sought eternal rest within sacred spaces like churches themselves!

One of 20 skeletons found at the site. Credit: Archäologisches Büro Anzenberger & Leicht GbR

"In the early Middle Ages, burial inside a church was rare and reserved only for high-ranking individuals," says Dr. Jochen Haberstroh, deputy head of the Archaeological Monument Preservation Department at the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD).

"The discovery of this settlement helps us better understand the region's history at the time of Munich's founding," says Dr. Haberstroh in a press release. "Early medieval settlement remains in the Munich gravel plain have been found repeatedly in recent years due to increased construction activities, but this find is particularly informative because of its completeness."

Floor plan of a church. Credit: Archäologisches Büro Anzenberger & Leicht GbR

The recent excavations in the northern region of Munich highlight the area's historical appeal and indicate that much remains to be explored. Inge Paulini, President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), expressed satisfaction that the new building project has facilitated the uncovering of this significant historic site.

See also: More Archaeology News

Ongoing research focuses on understanding why the settlement in Neuherberg's Oberschleissheim district was abandoned around 1300. Scientists use various methods to analyze soil samples and study burial sites to unravel this mystery. Although archaeologists are at an early stage in their investigation, it is already evident that these findings will significantly enhance our comprehension of medieval history in the Munich area.

The scientists say it is particularly noteworthy that, at first, there was no clear indication of the settlement and its church. However, after researching historical maps and other written sources, the experts found it is possible the Medieval town was called: Wagrain.

Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer