Eythra, distr. Leipzig: A Linear and Stroke-ornamented Pottery Settlement and Its Key to the Understanding of the Early Neolithic Development in Central Germany

• Applicants: Dr. Regina Smolnik; Professor Dr. Ulrich Veit
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2008 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 75547818

In Eythra, distr. Leipzig, the largest contiguous LBK and SBK (5500 - 4500 BC) settlement area in Central Europe has been uncovered (about 30 ha). The site thus provides a key to understanding early Neolithic settlement structure and development in Central Germany. Due to the long settlement duration the development of house architecture can be exemplarily comprehended. With reference to exceptional central settlement features like wells and earthworks questions about the socio-economic organization of the communities in question will be discussed. Based on detailed analyses of finds and features from a region, where little research has been carried out so far, the widely accepted "Hofplatzmodell" will be reevaluated. Eventually studies in Eythra provide an insight into early Neolithic site development in North-West Saxony.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Persons: Dr. Bernd Kromer; Dr. Oliver Mecking; Dr. Harald Stäuble; Dr. Christian Tinapp