Langweiler - Archaeological Site

Langweiler is an archaeological site situated in the Merzbach Valley on the Aldenhovener Plateau of western Germany [1]. Systematic excavations have revealed evidence of 160 houses from eight distinct settlement sites, plus three enclosures and a cemetery, belonging to the period 5300-4900 BC [1]. The site is a key region for understanding the nature of the earliest farming societies in west-central Europe (Bandkeramik era) [1]. Extensive surveys done from 1973 to 1981 contributed to recovery of the largest settlements in the valley before destruction of the area for mining [1]. The settlement at Langweiler 8 lasted over 300 years, with permanent occupation of about 15 houses [1]. The agricultural basis for these Bandkeramik settlements is reconstructed as small-scale cereal cultivation in fixed plots adjacent to the settlements [1]. During the latest stage of the Merzbach Bandkeramik period, special enclosures were constructed which may have been the setting for social or ritual activities by whole communities [1].