Langweiler (archaeological site)
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Langweiler (German pronunciation: [ˈlaŋvaɪlɐ] ⓘ) is an archaeological site situated in the Merzbach Valley on the Aldenhovener Plateau of western Germany. Systematic excavations have revealed evidence of 160 houses from eight distinct settlement sites, plus three enclosures and a cemetery, belonging to the period 5300-4900 BC. The site is a key region for understanding the nature of the earliest farming societies in west-central Europe (Bandkeramik era).
Extensive surveys done from 1973 to 1981 contributed to recovery of the largest settlements in the valley before destruction of the area for mining.[1]: 5
There are different types of settlements at Langweiler. The sites can be divided into three groupings on the basis of size: single farmsteads, clusters of 2-3 farmsteads and II farmsteads. Each settlement had access to a portion of the valley floor, perhaps seasonal pasture for cattle and to the drier gravel terraces for farming.[2]
The settlement at Langweiler 8 lasted over 300 years, with permanent occupation of about 15 houses.[3]
House types
The houses of Langweiler settlements fall into three types - long, medium and small – and these are present in the proportions 83:12:5. Medium and smaller houses are found only in the middle and later phases of the Langweiler settlement cycle. Most houses are oriented northwest/southeast, perhaps in response to the prevailing wind direction in central and western Europe, but also indicating adherence to a long-established cultural norm.
The building parcels at Langweiler 9 show up to four outlines, indicating multiple rebuilding at the same location.[3]: 65
