Archaeologists Uncover 3,000-Year-Old Trench Systems Near Leipzig

Six trench systems dating to the late Bronze Age have been discovered during pipeline excavations, shedding light on ancient land use and societal organization.

• The trench systems, located west of Leipzig, are estimated to be 3,000 years old and were used for approximately 500 years during the late Bronze Age.
• Archaeologists have partially excavated two of the six identified trench systems, which stretch several kilometers and include overlapping structures.
• The trenches, characterized by their lack of artifacts, may have served as territorial boundaries, agricultural dividers, or water drainage systems.
• The discovery connects to the 'pit alignment' phenomenon first identified in Great Britain, offering insights into ancient land management practices.
• The excavation occurred during preparations for a 19-kilometer district heating pipeline between Leuna and Kulkwitz, highlighting the value of modern infrastructure projects for archaeological research.

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