Long before we used the term “zombie” people feared revenants. Revenants was the original term used for the undead and it struck fear into the hearts of the people. Revenants were corpses that were revived to haunt the living. Interestingly, revenant was an umbrella term that could also mean ghost or vampire.
The word we now use, zombie, came from Haitian folklore. Within this context, a corpse becomes reanimated through the use of magic such as in vodou practices. However, the word zombie can be traced to its African roots, and like a revenant, it may refer to various entities. In African tradition, it can mean gods, ghosts, and the human soul.
The Sepulcher
Recently, a grave from the Bronze Age was discovered in Germany, thereby revealing the remains of a deceased individual. At present, archaeological excavations are being conducted in Oppin, located in the northern Saalekreis, in preparation for the expansion of the direct current route SuedOstLink. Notably, an intriguing sepulchral excavation has been initiated, uncovering the remains of an individual believed to be aged between 40 to 60 years.
The deceased individual was found lying on their left side with their head facing north, in a tomb presumed to have originated from the Bell Beaker culture at the end of the Neolithic period. While no offerings were uncovered within the tomb, its location suggests this hypothesis. Further examination of the tomb excavation revealed a stone measuring 100cm in length, 50cm in width, and 10cm in height, deliberately positioned on top of the deceased's flexed legs. It is highly plausible that this stone had a specific function, likely intended to secure the deceased's remains within the grave and prevent their disturbance.[1]
The Bell Beakers
The Bell Beaker culture, also referred to as the Bell Beaker complex or Bell Beaker phenomenon, is a significant archaeological occurrence that emerged during the early European Bronze Age, approximately 2800 BC. It gained its name from the distinctive inverted-bell-shaped drinking vessels characteristic of the culture. This culture encompassed various regions including Britain (circa 2450 BC to 1800 BC), continental Europe (until approximately 2300 BC), and territories such as Iberia, the Danubian plains, and extending northward to the British Isles and Ireland. It also had a presence in Sardinia, Sicily, and certain areas of North Africa.[2]
The propagation of the Bell Beaker culture has been integral in the discourse surrounding the dichotomy between migration and diffusionism within the field of archaeology. Theoretical viewpoints have encompassed the concept of small group migration as well as the idea of idea dissemination and object exchange. Genetic analyses conducted in the 2010s have helped to partially resolve this dispute, revealing that migration had a significant impact in the proliferation of the Beaker culture, particularly in Britain, where it resulted in a nearly complete transformation of the indigenous genetic makeup.
Woodhenge
The significant aspect that elevates this narrative beyond a mere tale of zombies is the extensive historical context that envelops the discovery. Adjacent to this location lies the Woodhenge Complex, colloquially referred to as the German equivalent of Stonehenge. Unearthed in a modest potato field in central Germany, the remains of Woodhenge hold great significance. It should be noted that even Stonehenge itself is part of a larger complex, including Durington Walls, another wooden circle structure that is linked to the upright stones.
“It’s the largest Early Bronze Age settlement we know of in Central Europe,” archaeologist Franziska Knoll says. “We’ve found sixty-five houses so far. This must have been a significant place.” It has been argued by Knoll that Stonehenge and Pömmelte, also referred to as Woodhenge by the author, are closely related structures. Knoll suggests that it is possible the wooden structure was even constructed by individuals who had previously visited the more famous British monument.[3]
The Revenant
The burial practices of the Early Bronze Age incorporated various methods to ensure the deceased remain deceased. In light of the belief in potential "revenant" beings who could return from the dead to haunt the living, measures were taken by those conducting the burials to securely contain the remains within their graves.
One such strategy involved placing a stone of approximately 3 feet in length and 1.6 feet in width over the legs of the deceased. This particular example was found in the tomb of a middle-aged man, estimated to have been buried 4,200 years ago. The stone, measuring four inches in thickness, was a substantial weight and served its intended purpose of keeping the body in place.
According to the State Office, it is believed that the tomb was laid during the time of the Bell Beaker culture, as it was discovered in close proximity to other cultural findings. Susanne Friederich, an archaeologist with the aforementioned establishment and project manager for the excavations, stated to Newsweek that in the Stone Age, individuals harboured a fear of revenants. They believed that the deceased would sometimes attempt to escape their graves, and thus would be placed on their stomachs. An interesting fact is that when buried in said manner, the deceased would dig themselves deeper instead of reaching the surface. Additionally, it was discovered that some graves went beyond just placing the deceased on their stomachs, as they incorporated a lance through the torso to further secure the body in place.[4]
Closing Thoughts
The undead play a prominent role in mythology, religion, folklore, and literature. There have been enduring legends that have propagated the notion of the ability of the undead to reanimate and cause turmoil among the living. The discovery of a burial site, dating back to ancient times, with a "zombie" interred within, serves as a testament to the pervasiveness of such beliefs throughout history, as well as to the perceived efficacy of a stone block in terms of preventing a revenant. Such narratives and archaeological findings can be observed in various cultures worldwide, indicating a shared lore and the continued ability of zombie tales to instill fear in contemporary times.
[1] “Landesmuseum Für Vorgeschichte Halle.” Facebook. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/Landesmuseum.fuer.Vorgeschichte/posts/pfbid02uhbCK65MewybvXig35feyTvZgypCUVtgoVvZJg4raGVXN81BErq78PwURLAbYdQFl.
[2] The Archaeologist. “The Bell Beaker Culture: A Comprehensive Overview.” The Archaeologist, January 30, 2024. https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/the-bell-beaker-culture-a-comprehensive-overview.
[3] Curry, Andrew. “Stonehenge’s Continental Cousin.” Archaeology Magazine. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www.archaeology.org/issues/411-2101/letter-from/9295-germany-woodhenge.
[4] Saraceni, Jessica Esther. “Possible Bell Beaker Grave Uncovered in Germany.” Archaeology Magazine. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www.archaeology.org/news/12362-240430-germany-revenant-grave#:~:text=OPPIN%2C%20GERMANY%E2%80%94Newsweek%20reports%20that,to%20some%204%2C500%20years%20ago.