A multi-layered prehistoric settlement structure (tell?) at Niederröblingen, Germany and its implications

At least 15 settlement layers, deposited above each other from the early Neolithic (ca. 5300 cal BC) until Roman Imperial Times (ca. 400 cal AD), have been discovered at Niederröblingen, Germany. Constituting the longest duration of prehistoric settlement in central Europe so far known (ca. 4000 yrs), the site is thought to represent the first multi-layered settlement mound (tell?) north of the Alps. This implicates that the occurrence of settlement mound is not limited to the circum-Mediterranean area. The detailed chronology, based on archaeological, radiocarbon and OSL dating and supporting a Bayesian model, shows one clear occupational gap (early Neolithic) and a possible hiatus (Roman Times). Erosion phases of the settlement mound and the deposition of alluvial sediments (since Roman Imperial Times) in the surroundings resulted in an almost complete disappearance of the mound from the recent scenery. Being difficult to detect, similar sites might be present, undetected, in central Europe. Their discovery and study would enable the precise reconstruction of the settlement history as well as of the prehistoric man–environmental interactions at a high resolution.

Research highlights
► We discovered the first multilayered settlement mounds north of the Alps.
► Multilayered settlement hills are not restricted to the circum-Mediterranean region.
► The settlement mound at Niederröblingen comprises of at least 15 settlement layers.
► Settlement activity spanning from 5300 BC until 400 AD, interrupted for 2000 years.
► 2 OSL and 30 14C dates were modelled with Oxcal 4.1. (Bayesian).