Description

While foot travel was the norm for most individuals within the Celtic world, horse-drawn chariots were exclusively used by the upper echelon of society. Conversely, since there is no prior knowledge of who specifically belonged to the upper class, particular chariot components are often interpreted as signifiers of their presence. Grave inventories do not typically present an issue, as objects from the chariot or related horse harnesses are not commonly the sole high-quality grave goods. However, settlements differ, as these items, which are considered rare finds, are more commonly discovered in large fortified central settlements placed prominently within the surrounding landscape. During hessenArchäologie's 2018 excavation, the discovery of a decorated axle nail from the 3rd or 2nd century BC in a settlement pit near Lützellinden (Giessen) surprised researchers. The object was found alongside other high-quality artefacts typically associated with contemporary urban settlements (oppida) and other significant sites. An axle pin is used to secure a wheel on an axle and prevent it from slipping off the steering knuckle while travelling. The pin is inserted through a hole in the steering knuckle in front of the mounted spoke wheel.

A look at the map reveals that Lützellinden is on an important route between Bad Nauheim in the south, where one of the largest Central European salt works of the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. BC, and the Dünsberg in the north, where the mighty curtain walls still bear witness to the Celtic city of that time. An axle nail like the one made from Lützellinden can therefore serve as an indication that members of the upper class not only lived in central towns, but also stayed and lived in rural settlements and possibly also controlled certain sections of the route. Or was there just a rest stop here where a bike needed to be repaired?

For further reading: JJens Köhler/ Ferenc Kántor, Scheinbar unscheinbar! Ungewöhnliches Fundmaterial aus Lützellinden. Landkreis Gießen: Überraschendes aus einer mittellatènezeitlichen Grube im Gießener Stadtgebiet. hessenARCHÄOLOGIE 2018, pages 90–94.