Where is Fundort Oberkasseler Menschen (Doppelgrab)?

Fundort Oberkasseler Menschen (Doppelgrab) is located at coordinates 50.7144302, 7.1747029 near DE.

Fundort Oberkasseler Menschen (Doppelgrab)

Location: DE
Category: heritage historic sites
Coordinates: 50.7144302, 7.1747029
Best time: Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip: Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Fundort Oberkasseler Menschen, or the Oberkassel human site, represents one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the Upper Paleolithic period in Germany. Discovered in 1914 in the Bonn district of Oberkassel, the site yielded a double grave containing the remains of an adult male, an adult female, and a dog, dating back approximately 14,000 years. These findings are of immense scientific value, as they provide rare evidence of human burial practices and the early domestication of dogs during the Magdalenian culture. Today, the original skeletal remains and the accompanying grave goods are meticulously preserved and exhibited at the LVR-Landesmuseum in Bonn. Visitors interested in prehistoric life will find this exhibition a cornerstone of local attractions, offering an intimate look at the oldest anatomically modern human remains found in the region. The display not only showcases the physical remains but also includes the decorative items and tools found within the grave, providing a comprehensive window into the lives of our ancestors. For those planning their itinerary, exploring this museum is a highlight for anyone seeking meaningful trip ideas in the Rhineland. The site serves as a vital educational resource, bridging the gap between modern humanity and the distant past through tangible, evidence-based archaeology.

General information

Did you know

The Oberkassel double grave contains the oldest evidence of a dog being buried with humans, dating back 14,000 years.
The discovery was made by quarry workers in 1914, who initially mistook the remains for modern burials.
The site provides critical evidence for the Magdalenian culture, a period characterized by advanced tool-making and art.

History

The discovery occurred in February 1914 when quarry workers in Oberkassel unearthed a double grave while extracting basalt. The burial, dated to the late Upper Paleolithic, contained a man aged 40–50 and a woman aged 20–25, buried together with a dog and various artifacts made of bone and antler. Scientific analysis has confirmed these remains belong to the Magdalenian era. The site is historically significant as it provides some of the earliest evidence of complex burial rituals in Europe, suggesting a profound social or spiritual connection between the deceased and their canine companion.

Cultural significance

The Oberkassel human remains are a landmark of European archaeology. They hold immense cultural importance as they shift our understanding of Paleolithic social structures and human-animal relationships. The inclusion of a dog in the burial is often cited by researchers as a pivotal moment in the history of domestication, reflecting an emotional or functional bond that predates agricultural society. In the context of German heritage, these remains serve as a primary record of the region's earliest inhabitants, anchoring the identity of the Rhine valley in the deep, shared history of human evolution.

Geography and landscape

The original site is located in the Oberkassel district of Bonn, situated on the right bank of the Rhine. The geography of the area is characterized by the volcanic hills of the Siebengebirge, which provided the basalt quarries where the site was found. While the physical site itself is an urbanized area today, the landscape of the Rhine valley remains a central feature, having served as a corridor for human migration and settlement for millennia. The remains are currently housed in the LVR-Landesmuseum in central Bonn, a facility that preserves the archaeological legacy of the entire Rhineland region.