Archaeological excavations near Dortmund Airport have unearthed significant evidence of early Neolithic farmers, revealing insights into the Rössen culture that thrived over 7,000 years ago. The discoveries, led by archaeologists from the administrative district of Arnsberg, including Philipp Bockelbrink, have shed light on the settlement patterns of this pivotal Central European community.
The excavation site, designated for the development of the Eco Port Süd business park, yielded the foundations of at least four to five substantial dwellings in its southern section, with the northern area revealing a completed description of a previously identified building. Experts suggest the site may represent two distinct settlement phases, both dating back more than 7,000 years. These unearthed foundations offer tangible proof of early habitation, complementing artifact findings such as pottery.
Dr. Petra Bergmann from the Regional Development Agency stated that these findings align with earlier indications of settlement activity in the area. Professor Dr. Michael Baales, head of the archaeological service of Westphalia, noted that the discovered buildings are characteristic of the Rössen culture, which flourished around 4700 BC. This culture is recognized as one of the most widespread and influential Neolithic communities across Central Europe. Typically, Rössen settlements are found along the Hellweg trade route, between Soest and the Ruhr region.
The houses found in Holzwickede are estimated to be around 30 meters long, a more modest size compared to comparable discoveries like the 65-meter-long house found in Bochum-Gärthe in 1950. These structures typically housed both people and animals, with granaries often located under the same roof, supported by deep post trenches. The elevated terrain near Dortmund airport has been crucial in preserving these ancient features.
Interestingly, this particular site yielded fewer pottery and artifacts than is typical for Neolithic settlements, raising questions about the duration of its occupation. Further analysis indicated that one dwelling in the southern section is associated with an older foundation, suggesting multiple phases of habitation. Additionally, evidence of Iron Age activity, dating to a few centuries before the Common Era, was uncovered, including smaller dwellings with storage pits and ceramic fragments from that later period.
Professor Baales emphasized the importance of these findings, highlighting how they illustrate the widespread nature of Neolithic agricultural communities and their impact on the Hellweg region. He stressed the necessity for the current development to respect this cultural heritage and preserve these traces for future generations. The development of the Eco Port Süd business park is set to continue the legacy of this area, serving as a reminder of the deep history of human settlement in the Ruhr region and connecting present-day infrastructure with the enduring story of early European society.