Altendorf Megalithic Tomb

The Altendorf tomb was an important megalithic tomb at Altenburg near Naumburg, northern Hesse, Germany [1]. It was a gallery grave belonging to the Late Neolithic Wartberg culture [1]. The tomb belongs to the Hessian-Westphalian stone cist group, which is part of the Wartberg culture [1]. About 4 m of the monument had been destroyed before systematic excavation took place in 1934 [1]. The tomb, oriented east-south-east to west-north-west was built into a rectangular pit of 17 x 3 m dimensions, with an entrance ramp at the east end [1]. The dead had been placed in the tomb over time, possibly over several centuries [1]. The bones indicated a minimum of 235-250 individuals [1].