Altendorf (megalithic Tomb) - Discovery and Excavation

Discovery and Excavation

The tomb was discovered accidentally, probably through agricultural activity, at some point in the early 20th century. Several small unprofessional attempts at digging appear to have been made until 1926. There are reports of the discovery of several sandstone blocks, and of numerous preserved skeletons, but the significance of the site was not realised at that point. About 4 m of the monument had been destroyed before systematic excavation, directed W. Jordan, took place in 1934. Generally, the contents of the tomb turned out to be remarkably well preserved. The tomb was removed in its entirety after the excavation, but some finds and the entrance stone are on display at Wolfhagen (see below).