#Germany #ColgneCathedral
"Although many know the magnificent Cologne Cathedral as the city's main tourist attraction, few are aware that it's also a major attraction for archaeologists.
"We've uncovered a huge area here and worked our way back to the ancient Roman period," said archaeologist Ruth Stinnesbeck, with an area of around 4,000 square meters (43,055 square feet) under the famous church being explored.
The well-preserved finds discovered underground at depths of between 3.5 to 16 meters (37-172 feet) under the cathedral have thrilled Stinnesbeck and her colleagues. "It's unlike everywhere else in the city, where old buildings are constantly being replaced by new ones and little remains underground," she said.
The extensive excavations under the Gothic cathedral began in 1946. Archaeologists had hoped to start exploring much earlier, but this would have required tearing up the church's floor, which was deemed to be too disruptive to everyday church life and therefore not permitted..."
"Although many know the magnificent Cologne Cathedral as the city's main tourist attraction, few are aware that it's also a major attraction for archaeologists.
"We've uncovered a huge area here and worked our way back to the ancient Roman period," said archaeologist Ruth Stinnesbeck, with an area of around 4,000 square meters (43,055 square feet) under the famous church being explored.
The well-preserved finds discovered underground at depths of between 3.5 to 16 meters (37-172 feet) under the cathedral have thrilled Stinnesbeck and her colleagues. "It's unlike everywhere else in the city, where old buildings are constantly being replaced by new ones and little remains underground," she said.
The extensive excavations under the Gothic cathedral began in 1946. Archaeologists had hoped to start exploring much earlier, but this would have required tearing up the church's floor, which was deemed to be too disruptive to everyday church life and therefore not permitted..."
Cologne Cathedral hides a trove of surprising finds – DW – 01/25/2024
From ornate murals to clues about how ancient Romans recycled, finds from an excavation under the world-famous Cologne Cathedral are bringing the city's 2,000-year history alive.
https://www.dw.com/en/cologne-cathedral-hides-a-trove-of-surprising-finds/a-68080844
4 months ago
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