Archaeologists in Dortmund have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved workshop complex dating from the Roman Imperial period, including evidence of pottery production and the recycling of Roman metal by Germanic communities.
The settlement, in western Dortmund, dates from between the 1st and 5th centuries AD and has been under investigation since mid-August by archaeologists from the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL) and Dortmund City Archaeology Department.
Researchers say the discovery is particularly significant because of the range and condition of the ancient workshops found at the site.
“We have discovered a workshop area here with extensive finds,” said excavation director Dr Eva Cichy of the Olpe branch of LWL Archaeology for Westphalia.
“This is a first in this form in the western part of the Germanic settlement area. In addition to the first pottery kiln, we found metalworking workshops which were exceptionally well preserved.”
Archaeologists have documented several working areas containing pits, kilns and hearths, providing new evidence of craft and industrial activity among Germanic communities living beyond the borders of the Roman Empire.
Evidence of Germanic metal recycling
One of the most important discoveries concerns the recycling of Roman metal objects.
Prof Dr Michael Baales, head of the Olpe branch of LWL Archaeology for Westphalia, said metalworking was an important feature of the Roman Imperial period east of the Rhine, beyond the frontier of the Roman Empire.
Archaeologists have long believed that Germanic communities, particularly during the later Imperial period, recycled substantial quantities of Roman metal objects obtained through trade or plunder. Until now, however, physical evidence of where and how this recycling took place has been limited.
“Until now, there has been a lack of evidence to support such activities,” said Tobias Zacharias of Dortmund City Archaeology. “This makes the site of supra-regional importance.”
The discoveries indicate that Roman scrap metal was melted in crucibles placed inside specially constructed kilns.
Jan Rosbeck of Dortmund City Archaeology said the kilns consisted of round or oval structures with clay walls. Bellows were used to pump air into the structures from the sides, allowing workers to regulate the high temperatures required for melting metal.
The recycled material could then have been used to manufacture new objects, providing archaeologists with rare physical evidence of how Roman materials were repurposed outside the empire.
Pottery kiln to be preserved
Alongside the metalworking facilities, archaeologists have uncovered a pottery kiln, although researchers have yet to determine what types of ceramics were produced there.
Excavations at the Dortmund site are now nearing completion. The best-preserved kiln is being recovered in its entirety, with plans for the structure to eventually go on public display.
Researchers hope further analysis of the workshops and artefacts will provide new insights into manufacturing, trade and the reuse of Roman materials among Germanic communities between the 1st and 5th centuries AD.
Sources : LWL