Opfermoor Vogtei

Oberdorla Opfermoor

Opfermoor Vogtei is an archaeological site located in Thuringia, Germany. It is renowned for its well-preserved remains of a Germanic sacrificial bog, which dates back to the Iron Age and the early Middle Ages. The site provides significant insights into the religious practices and daily life of the Germanic tribes during these periods.

History

The Opfermoor Vogtei site was discovered in the 1950s during peat cutting activities. Subsequent excavations revealed a wealth of artifacts and structures, including wooden idols, animal bones, and human remains, all of which suggest that the site was used for ritualistic purposes over several centuries.

Archaeological Findings

The site is particularly notable for its wooden idols, which are believed to represent deities worshipped by the Germanic tribes. These idols were often placed in the bog as offerings. In addition to the idols, numerous animal bones have been found, indicating that animal sacrifices were a common practice. Human remains have also been discovered, suggesting that human sacrifices may have occurred, although this is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars.

Significance

Opfermoor Vogtei is one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the religious practices of the Germanic tribes. The well-preserved nature of the site allows archaeologists to study the artifacts in great detail, providing valuable information about the rituals and beliefs of these ancient peoples.

Preservation and Display

Many of the artifacts recovered from Opfermoor Vogtei are now housed in the Thuringian State Museum in Weimar. The site itself has been preserved and is open to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into the ancient past.

See Also

• Germanic paganism
• Iron Age Europe
• Thuringia
• Archaeology of Germany