An unexpected archaeological discovery in Denmark has surprised the scientific community. A paved basement from approximately 5,000 years ago has been found, which reveals an architectural complexity of Neolithic societies that few imagined possible. What other surprises does this site hide and what does this mean for our understanding of prehistory?
A paved basement that defies expectations
The team of archaeologists, led by Marie Brinch of the Lolland-Falster Museum, unearthed the remains of what appears to be a carefully paved basement on Falster Island, Denmark. This discovery, at the site of Nygårdsvej 3, challenges our previous view of Neolithic societies in northern Europe, revealing a level of sophistication in construction that was not thought possible for that time.
The excavation was carried out in the context of the expansion of a railway line and has revealed remains of two habitation phases associated with the Embudo Glass Culture, characterized by the beginning of the Neolithic in the region. In one of these phases, an area was found sunken and paved with stones of different sizes. With dimensions of 2 by 1.5 meters and a depth of 40 cm, this structure not only stands out for the meticulous arrangement of its pebbles, but also because it raises the possibility of much more advanced architectural planning than previously believed.
The importance of the site of Nygårdsvej 3
Strategically located about 600 meters from the northern boundary of the village of Eskilstrup, the Nygårdsvej 3 site has also revealed other interesting finds. Numerous post holes and ditches were documented, along with a fencing structure with up to seven parallel rows, suggesting an organized and even fortified settlement. The site’s richness is not limited to architectural structures, as a diverse collection of artifacts was found, including flint tools, pottery, and burned bone fragments. The concentration of these finds around the paved basement indicates that this structure played a central role in the daily lives of its inhabitants.
A chronology that redefines the past
Using advanced Bayesian models, archaeologists were able to accurately date the site thanks to charcoal samples collected in various strata. Radiocarbon dating places the main occupation of this site between 3500 and 3000 BC, a period characterized by important changes in northern Europe, such as the intensification of agriculture, livestock breeding and the construction of megalithic monuments.
This finding adds evidence to the growing body of studies suggesting greater sophistication in the construction practices of the time. The existence of a paved basement implies advanced construction skills, long-term planning and an understanding of food storage and preservation that forces us to reconsider our ideas about the technological development of these cultures.
A central settlement for the Neolithic community?
Despite the richness of the findings, there are still unanswered questions. Due to the limited size of the excavation trench, it cannot be confirmed whether the fences were part of a fortification or whether they belonged to a larger enclosure. However, the location of the site and the possible longevity of activity there could indicate that it was a central location for the region during that time.
Archaeologists suggest that, like other fortified settlements, Nygårdsvej 3 may have functioned as a meeting place to exchange goods, form alliances, and maintain social relationships. Whether it should be interpreted as such or whether its function was different will have to be determined by further investigation.