Situated in the picturesque town of Heidenheim an der Brenz, nestled in the eastern Swabian Jura region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the Heidenschmiede is a captivating site that offers a remarkable journey back to the Middle Paleolithic era. This historically significant rock shelter is not only an archaeological treasure trove but also a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Neanderthal humans who once roamed this region.
The Heidenschmiede is perched on the western flank of the Brenz Valley, embedded within the striking Weißjura rock massif. Located southeast of the imposing Hellenstein Castle, this ancient site sits at an elevation of approximately 540 meters above sea level. The only way to reach this secluded spot is by foot, following the scenic Hermann-Mohn-Weg. The hike itself is an adventure, offering breathtaking views and a sense of anticipation as you approach this hidden gem.
Dating back to between 70,000 and 50,000 years ago, the Heidenschmiede was frequented by Neanderthals during the late Acheulean period. These early humans likely used the site as a temporary workshop for crafting tools, as evidenced by the numerous stone flakes discovered here. The limited presence of animal bones suggests that the Heidenschmiede was not a long-term habitation site but rather a place where Neanderthals briefly paused to hone their survival skills.
The rock overhang of the Heidenschmiede provided a modest shelter, covering an area of about 8 square meters, while the surrounding terrace offered an additional 20 square meters of usable space. Despite its small size, this site played a crucial role in the daily lives of its prehistoric visitors, who relied on their expertly crafted tools for hunting and gathering.
The story of the Heidenschmiede's discovery is as fascinating as the site itself. In the summer of 1928, Hermann Mohn, a local historian and avid explorer, set out in search of the Uhuloch, a small, ladder-accessible rock crevice mentioned in a 1618 description of Heidenheim. During his quest, Mohn stumbled upon the Heidenschmiede, a site that had been known only through vague historical references.
In March 1930, Mohn, with the help of enthusiastic volunteers, began systematic excavations at the Heidenschmiede. Over the course of several weeks, they unearthed approximately 5,000 stone artifacts, including tools, cores, and flakes, as well as 5 kilograms of animal bones. Despite lacking formal archaeological training, Mohn meticulously documented his findings, creating stratigraphic drawings and photographs that would prove invaluable to future researchers.
As the excavation neared completion, Mohn discovered a previously unknown wall that curved in an east-west direction, enclosing the Heidenschmiede. Recognizing the significance of this discovery, the Württemberg State Office for Monument Preservation dispatched prehistorian Eduard Peters to oversee the final stages of the excavation and analyze the artifacts. Peters' meticulous work, along with contributions from other renowned scholars, culminated in the 1931 publication of the excavation report and typological analysis.
The stratigraphy of the Heidenschmiede reveals a complex history of human activity and natural processes. Medieval construction activities, including the building of a substantial wall, significantly disrupted and mixed the archaeological layers. As a result, reliable stratigraphic data is scarce, and age determinations rely primarily on typological analysis of the artifacts.
The Heidenschmiede yielded an impressive array of lithic artifacts, with over 90% made from Tertiary quartzite (chert), and the remainder from jasper and quartz. These raw materials were sourced from nearby locations such as the Steinheim Basin, Stubental, and the Brenz River gravels. The collection includes Acheulean hand axes, scrapers, drills, and multi-purpose tools, as well as Mousterian points, scrapers, and awls. Notably, a left-handed scraper with a right-sided blade stands out as a unique find.
The faunal remains, though limited in quantity, provide valuable insights into the prehistoric environment and the Neanderthals' subsistence strategies. The bones, which include those of mammoths, rhinoceroses, horses, reindeer, wolves, foxes, hares, marmots, lemmings, and various birds, show evidence of burning and tool use. These findings suggest that the Heidenschmiede's inhabitants utilized bones as anvils for tool-making and likely consumed a diverse range of animals.
Today, the Heidenschmiede stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Neanderthals and their remarkable adaptability. Visitors can explore the site and imagine the lives of these early humans who once sought refuge under its rocky overhang. The artifacts discovered at the Heidenschmiede are now housed in the Landesmuseum Württemberg in Stuttgart and a local museum in Heidenheim, offering a tangible connection to our distant past.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply someone seeking a unique adventure, the Heidenschmiede in Heidenheim an der Brenz promises an unforgettable journey through time. As you stand beneath the ancient rock shelter, you'll be transported back to an era when Neanderthals roamed the Swabian Jura, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and resilience that continues to inspire us today.
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