In the village of Delbrück-Bentfeld, eastern Germany, archaeologists have wrapped up an extensive months-long excavation that uncovered a Roman-period settlement alongside a mysterious burial, offering valuable glimpses into regional life between the 2nd and 5th c. CE.

The dig, conducted by the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL), began in November 2024 as a precautionary measure before a residential development project in the Schafbreite area.

Over the course of the excavation, nearly 400 archaeological features were recorded, including two substantial buildings, semi-subterranean dwellings (pit houses), wells, and various storage and refuse pits. These findings paint a picture of a vibrant, long-inhabited settlement.

Among the standout discoveries was a Roman-era cremation grave, shedding rare light on the connections between East Westphalia and the Roman Empire. This grave contained charred human remains, remnants of a funeral pyre, and grave goods such as: a lance tip, decorative brooches, a fragmented bone comb, a firesteel and a finely crafted belt buckle shaped like an animal’s head, likely part of a Roman soldier’s equipment.

Experts suggest the deceased may have been a Germanic mercenary who once served in the Roman military. This burial is particularly notable as it marks the first time in East Westphalia that a Roman military belt fragment has been discovered in archaeological context, rather than found loose or out of context on the surface.

Just as the excavation was concluding, another fascinating find emerged: a well from the Migration Period. Initially thought to be an animal trough, further investigation revealed a shaft constructed from three hollowed tree trunks—a remarkable example of ancient engineering.

Preservation conditions at the site were exceptional. Archaeologists recovered not only the wood and woven wattlework used to line the well, but also rare organic remains, including a piece of leather and even a delicate insect wing—exceptional finds for this time period.

One of the wooden beams repurposed for the well featured rune-like carvings, suggesting it may have originally come from a nearby house. According to excavation leader Sven Knippschild, “The beam certainly originated from a domestic structure before being reused.”

A charcoal-rich layer above the well added another layer of mystery. It contained burnt bones, glass bead fragments, and other items, hinting at possible ritual use—perhaps even a cremation or symbolic burial. Grave goods in this layer included two small glass beads (one clear, one blue) and a larger green glass bead, possibly left during a hasty or meaningful deposition.

The team now plans a series of scientific analyses, including dendrochronology to date the wooden beams precisely, radiocarbon dating of the charcoal, anthropological study of the cremated bones and archaeobotanical research to reconstruct the local environment around 1,600 years ago.

With the excavation complete, the Schafbreite housing project is set to move forward. Local mayor Werner Peitz expressed his appreciation for the dual success of development and heritage preservation: “We’re very pleased about the progress, but it was just as important to us that a site of regional and historical importance like this was thoroughly and professionally documented so its story can be preserved for future generations.”