Climate, Cauldron, Genes – Secrets of the Hochdorf Prince's Grave

Lecture on the unique finds from the Celtic prince's grave in Hochdorf. Prof. Knopf provides insights into new research, genetic analyses, and the significance of Hochdorf as a central location in Celtic history in Baden-Württemberg. The richly furnished burial mound of Hochdorf (around 530 BC) revealed extraordinary grave goods: a magnificent wheeled funeral bed, intricate gold jewelry, a monumental bronze cauldron filled with mead, and drinking horns for a princely feast. Prof. Dr. Thomas Knopf, director of the Celtic Museum Hochdorf/Enz, presents the world-famous finds of the Celtic prince and shares insights into his museum work and new research results. He explains the unique features of the burial goods and reports on genetic analyses that reveal connections between the Hochdorf prince and other Celtic elites, as well as results from current archaeological and soil studies in the vicinity of Hochdorf. The lecture also highlights the regional significance of the find site: Hochdorf and the new Heidengrabenzentrum are among the central stations in Celtic land Baden-Württemberg. Together with the Heuneburg, they mark a cultural-historical axis that represents 500 years of Celtic history – from early Celtic power centers to late Celtic settlement landscapes. The evening is aimed at both professionals and historically interested visitors and offers a well-founded overview of research, education, and current museum work at the Hochdorf site.