2023-11-07 10:38:55
An archaeological research project by the Kuchl Museum Association is analyzing the Georgenberg, which has been inhabited for 2,500 years.
“A discovery site is like a criminal crime scene,” says Christian Mitterbauer. The amateur historian heads the “Georgenberg Archeology” research project run by the Kuchl Museum Association. The aim of the project is to secure valuable Kuchl cultural assets, especially from the Bronze, Iron and Roman Ages, in the Georgenberg area, to process them scientifically and to preserve them for future generations. For this purpose, excavations are ongoing in Kuchl. The positions are found by ten volunteer detectorists. They work together with the Federal Monuments Office and the University of Salzburg.
Sabine Schwaighofer is the only woman among the detectorists. The Abtenauer native has been fascinated by ancient history since her school days. Her dream was to become an archaeologist. But things turned out differently in life. The Kuchler native trained as a bookbinder, moved to Abtenau and became the mother of three children. “You live like that and make the best of it,” she says. One day she got the chance to work at the cash desk at the Kuchl Museum. As a reward for her volunteer work, she was invited on excursions. That’s when she met the state archaeologist Felix Lang. He is responsible for the scientific management of the “Georgenberg Archeology” research project.
Hold a piece of history in your hand
For Schwaighofer, uncovering history is exciting: How did people live back then? What did the area look like? “When we find something, I am very happy because I have a piece of history in my hands,” says Schwaighofer.
Before the explorers begin their search, state archaeologist Felix Lang submits the excavation application to the Federal Monuments Office. Once approved, they are valid for one year. With the consent of the landowners, the amateur archaeologists begin their search. Balls, bars, brooches and rings made of bronze have already been found. “Bars and rings could have been a kind of currency in the Bronze Age. An early euro, so to speak,” says Schwaighofer.
Unfortunately, private detectorists are also on the move without a permit. When they find something and dig it up, they take it with them and usually sell it. Schwaighofer: “That’s an incredible shame because the history of the found object can never be traced.” By the way, private excavation of archaeological pieces is prohibited. Nowadays, private probing no longer remains hidden. “When landowners see them, they report them immediately,” says Christian Mitterbauer.
When he and his team find a site, they report their findings to the Federal Monuments Office and draw the location in coordinates on a map. Scientists often know at first glance whether it is a grave, a villa or a path.
A childhood dream fulfilled late
The finds and the results of the research can be viewed in the Kuchl Museum. Modern, specially equipped rooms were made available for this purpose. During the TN’s visit, a geomagnetic and georadar prospection took place on behalf of the state archeology and in cooperation with the Kuchl Museum Association. Since the last inspection was eight years ago, Schwaighofer is really looking forward to helping.
Tube walking takes time and patience. There is great joy when a lost piece of history resurfaces. Schwaighofer, for example, found the last ball of a Bronze Age bracelet. “With this work, the dream of my childhood and my passion came true late, but nevertheless,” says Schwaighofer happily.
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