D43

Tucked away in the verdant countryside of Emmen in the province of Drenthe, the D43 megalithic tomb stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Funnel Beaker Culture of the Neolithic period. As the largest megalithic tomb in the Netherlands, D43 is a remarkable archaeological treasure that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The History of D43

The history of D43 dates back to the Neolithic era, making it over 5,000 years old. This ancient burial site was first officially documented between 1788 and 1792 on the Hottinger Map. Over the centuries, it has been the subject of numerous archaeological investigations, with significant excavations conducted in 1913 by Jan Hendrik Holwerda and later in 1960 by Albert Egges van Giffen. These explorations have revealed much about the tomb's construction and use, shedding light on the practices and beliefs of the people who built it.

Exploring the Architecture

D43 is unique not only for its size but also for its dual-chamber design, a feature that sets it apart from other megalithic tombs in the region. The tomb is oriented in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction and spans an impressive 40.3 meters in length. The width varies from 7 meters in the north to 5 meters in the south, giving it a slightly trapezoidal shape.

The tomb is encircled by 54 stones, with their flat sides facing outward. Originally, the gaps between these stones were filled with dry stone walls, a feature that was reconstructed during the 1960 restoration. The southern end of the tomb was subject to some controversy, as Holwerda believed it had been altered during the 1869 restoration, but van Giffen later refuted this claim, identifying only two stones as modern additions.

The Northern and Southern Chambers

The northern chamber of D43 is 4.6 meters long, 3 meters wide, and approximately 1.5 meters high. It is constructed from three pairs of wall stones on the long sides, a single end stone on each short side, and three capstones. A small entrance passage, paved with stones, provides access to the chamber, which features a stone floor and dry stone walling between the wall stones.

The southern chamber is significantly larger, measuring 8.1 meters in length and 2.9 meters in width. It is built with five pairs of wall stones on the long sides and a single end stone on each short side. Of the original five capstones, only two remain. Like the northern chamber, the southern chamber has a stone floor and dry stone walling. An entrance passage, discovered by van Giffen in 1960, leads into the chamber.

The Ritual Pits

During his excavation in 1913, Holwerda discovered two pits between the chambers, which he believed were used for ritual purposes. One pit, located between the chambers, measured 2.2 meters by 1.65 meters, while the other, southwest of the southern chamber, was 3 meters by 1.4 meters. A third pit was discovered by van Giffen in 1960. The exact purpose of these pits remains unclear, as they contained few artifacts, primarily ceramic shards and small fragments of burnt bone.

Grave Goods

The chambers of D43 contained relatively few grave goods, primarily consisting of ceramic shards. In the northern chamber, Holwerda found large, bulbous vessels, cylindrical containers, and fragments of a collar bottle, among other items. The southern chamber yielded a similar array of artifacts, including bowls, cylindrical vessels, and a single collar bottle. Additionally, flint fragments and a small chisel were discovered.

Visiting D43

Visiting D43 is like stepping back in time to an era when ancient peoples constructed these monumental structures with great skill and care. The tomb is located on a green space at the western edge of Emmen, accessible via a field path branching off from Odoornerweg. The serene surroundings and the tomb's impressive size make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Nearby, you can explore other megalithic tombs, such as Emmen-Noord (D41), Westenesch-Noord (D42), Westenesch (D44), Emmerdennen (D45), and the three tombs at Emmerveld (D38–D40). Each of these sites offers its unique insights into the Neolithic period, contributing to a richer understanding of the region's ancient history.

In conclusion, D43 in Emmen is not just a megalithic tomb; it is a window into the lives and beliefs of the Neolithic people who once inhabited this region. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit site for anyone interested in the ancient past. As you walk among the stones, you can almost hear the echoes of a time long gone, a time when these stones were more than just markers of the dead but symbols of a community's enduring legacy.