Multimethod geophysical investigation of a burial mound

What is it about?

Approximately 40 km from Stuttgart, Germany, a singular mound 50 m wide rises about 4.2 m above the surrounding terrain. It is assumed that it could be a burial mound from the Early Iron Age Hallstatt period (approximately 800 to 450 b.c.). Furthermore, it is supposed that a castle tower or keep was erected during the early Middle Ages. With the help of three geophysical methods (geomagnetic mapping, ground-penetrating radar, and electromagnetic-induction measuring), it was hoped to prove that the mound was indeed a Celtic burial mound or a Medieval keep, which should be registered as a listed site. In more than unfavorable conditions (at times there were severe snowfalls, and otherwise almost constant rain), measurements were undertaken during the winter of 2013. It could be proved that the mound is indeed a burial mound. In addition, the centrally positioned burial chamber was located, and the positions of two excavations from 1824 were recorded.

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Why is it important?

With the help of three geophysical methods (geomagnetic mapping, ground-penetrating radar, and electromagnetic-induction measuring), the centrally positioned burial chamber was located, and the positions of two excavations from 1824 were recorded.