Oppidum Zürich-Lindenhof

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Lindenhof
estimated to be Turicum (Zurich)
Lindenhof - Uetliberg - Polyterrasse 2012-09-27 14-40-18.jpg
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Shown within Switzerland
Alternative name Lindenhof-Sihlbühl
Location LindenhofSihlbühlMünsterhof
Region Zurich, Switzerland
Coordinates 47°22′22.74″N8°32′26.04″E / 47.3729833°N 8.5405667°E / 47.3729833; 8.5405667
Typesection moats between district, minting, Circular rampart or Oppidum
Part of Turicum (Zurich)
Lengthc. 350 metres (1,148 ft)
Widthc. 250 metres (820 ft)
Area10 hectares (25 acres)
Heightc. 28 metres (92 ft)
History
Builder Celts or probably Helvetii, later Roman
Materialstone, earth, wood
Foundedc. 1st century BC
Periods Iron Age
Cultures Celts, La Tène
later Gallo-Roman
Associated withprobably Helvetii, later Gallo-Roman
Site notes
Excavation dates1906, 1989, 1997, 2004, 2007 and 2008
ArchaeologistsMargrit Balmer, Dölf Wild
Conditionarchaeological access
OwnershipCity and canton of Zurich
Public accessYes

Lindenhof is the present name of the large fortified settlement, or oppidum, likely founded by the Helvetii on the Lindenhof hill on the western shore of the Limmat in Zurich, Switzerland.

Contents

Geography

Lindenhof hill and Schipfe as seen from Limmatquai Lindenhof - Schipfe - Limmatquai 2015-02-26 12-40-38.JPG
Lindenhof hill and Schipfe as seen from Limmatquai

The Lindenhof is a moraine hill that since the European Middle Ages is used as a public square, situated amidst the historic center of Zurich. It was the site of the Roman and Carolingian era Kaiserpfalz around which the modern city has historically grown. The hilltop area including its prehistoric, Celtic, Roman and medieval remains, therefore dominates the historical center alongside the easterly Limmat riverbank and the historical Schipfe quarter. Its northern part, where the former medieval Oetenbach nunnery was built at the site of a prehistoric cultic place at the present Uraniastrasse road, is called Sihlbühl, meaning the slope towards the Sihl river delta. At the same place, the Urania Sternwarte and Waisenhaus Zürich were built in 1901/02, and therefore important historical archaeological excavations never were done. To the south, near the St. Peter church hill, there was another cultic construction towards Münsterhof, and in the west, the hill is limited by the today's Rennweg—Bahnhofstrasse lanes, the site of the Helvetii accommodation and artisan district. The now largely flattened Lindenhof area elevates at 428 metres (1,404 ft) above sea level, and rises about 25 metres (82 ft) above the level of the Limmat at Schipfe—Limmatquai. [1]

History

Prehistory

Lindenhof, Sihlbuhl and Schipfe by Hans Leu d.A. in the probably 1490s Zurich - Schipfe-Lindenhof - Hans Leu.jpg
Lindenhof, Sihlbühl and Schipfe by Hans Leu d.Ä. in the probably 1490s
Celtic, Roman and medieval remains at Lindenhofkeller. Lindenhof-Keller - Mittelalterliche Konigspfalz 2013-04-03 15-35-03.JPG
Celtic, Roman and medieval remains at Lindenhofkeller.

At the flat shore of Lake Zurich, there are Neolithic and Bronze Age (4500 to 850 BC) finds, most of them related to the lakeside settlements Kleiner Hafner and Grosser Hafner (both small former islands west of Sechseläutenplatz , near Bauschänzli at the Stadthausquai, and Alpenquai at the Bürkliplatz square. Lindenhof then was largely surrounded by water: until the early medieval area, the neighboring Münsterhof area was a swampy, by the Sihl river delta flooded hollow, so that Lindenhof hill was an optimal location for early probably fortified settlements. [1] Middle Bronze Age (1500 BC) artefacts were found at Schipfe). [3]

La Tène Culture

For the 1st century BC (La Tène culture), archaeologists excavated individual and aerial finds of the Celtic oppidum, whose remains were discovered in archaeological campaigns in the years 1989, 1997, 2004 and 2007 on Lindenhof and Rennweg, [4] and also in the 1900s but mistakenly identified as Roman objects. Not yet archaeologically proven but suggested by historians, as well for the first construction of the today's Münsterbrücke Limmat crossing, the present Weinplatz square was the former civilian harbour of the Celtic-Roman Turicum, and so the term Weinplatz may have kept its ancient meaning wine square. [5]

Vicus Turicum

Lucius Aelius Urbicus' grave stone (200 AD) found at the upper part of the Pfalzgasse on Lindenhof hill Zurich - Lindenhof - Grabstein Lucius Aelius Urbicus IMG 1808.JPG
Lucius Aelius Urbicus' grave stone (200 AD) found at the upper part of the Pfalzgasse on Lindenhof hill

In 15 BC, Augustus' stepsons Drusus and later Emperor Tiberius Claudius Nero integrated the territory on the easterly shore of Lake Zurich into the Roman provinces Raetia and Germania Superior. Several stone buildings from the Roman period were located on and surrounding the hill. It was part of the small vicus Turicum , located on both banks of the Limmat, and connected by a Roman bridge located near the present RathausbrückeWeinplatz. Turicum, Zurich's Roman and possibly Celtic name, is engraved on the 2nd-century AD tombstone of a little boy. It was found on 15 May 1747, at Pfalzgasse lane leading to the St. Peter church, and refers to the Roman STA(tio) TUR(i)CEN(sis). Using the advantage of the local topography, the Roman military built a citadel on top of the hill in the years of the Roman emperor Valentinian I (364–375), to defend migrations from the north by the Alamanni. 4,500 square metres (48,438 sq ft) large, it was fitted with 10 towers and 2 metres (7 ft) wide walls. [5]

Gallo-Roman settlement

La Tene ceramics from the Lindenhof oppidum Lindenhof-Keller - Spatkeltische Keramik vom Rennweg 5 2013-04-03 15-28-57.JPG
La Tène ceramics from the Lindenhof oppidum

Likely between the fifth and seventh centuries AD, the hilltop leveled fort became the retaining wall of the growing Gallo-Roman settlement, and so gave the Lindenhof terrace largely its current form. The remains of the Roman Castra were used as the center of the later fortification of the historical center of Zurich. Significant parts of the lime mortar and ancient castle wall are integrated into the town houses around the Lindenhof and in a Pfalz. The Gallo-Roman remains existed until the early European Middle Ages, when a Carolingian, later Ottonian Pfalz (1054) was built on its remains. This Kaiserpfalz was a long building with a chapel on the eastern side of the still fortified hill; it is last mentioned in 1172, and was derelict by 1218, when its remains were partly scavenged for construction of the city walls and stone masonry on private houses. [6]

The Masonic lodge Modestia cum Libertate (MCL) bought in 1851 the so-called Paradies building, where coins, stove tiles and other artefacts from the Celtic, Roman and medieval times were found. The Celtic and Roman remains and foundation stones can be seen in the Lindenhofkeller at one's own risk by contacting Baugeschichtliches Archiv situated at Neumarkt, Zurich. [2]

Finds

Grosser Hafner sanctuary

During the reign of Emperor Hadrian, a round wooden temple as an island sanctuary was built at the Grosser Hafner island. The building was erected in 122 AD, and consisted of oak piles driven deep into the lake bottom, surrounded probably with walls made of perishable materials, which formed a circle of 7 metres (23 ft) in diameter. The rotunda is located on the former island settlement, about 500 metres (1,640 ft) away from the Vicus Turicum. The archaeological material indicates that the facility sure may was used up in the 3rd century AD, even up in the 4th century AD by the Gallo-Roman population. On the one hand, the interpretation as the temple is based on the insularity and the design, on the other hand on finds of coins; the majority of the now nearly 90 coins probably are from a so far not proven predecessor building, probably from the third quarter of the 1st century AD. An island sanctuary of the Helvetii in connection with the 1st century BC settlement oppidum may be assumed. [7]

Potin coin lumps

On the occasion of construction works at the Alpenquai site, investigation conducted by probes and probing ditches occurred in 1970. Despite the dredging for the construction of the Seequai between 1916 and 1919, an amazingly big area of approximately 2.8 hectares (7 acres) with two cultural layers was preserved. Both, the upper and the lower cultural layer, were separated by an about 10 centimetres (3.94 in) cm thick layer of lake marl composed of several layers of different materials. There were found pile shoes at different altitudes in the cultural layers and rich bar decoration of ceramics occurred exclusively in the lower layer, while the decoration on cannelure groups was limited to the upper layer, as well as some graphite-decorated fragments. [8] So-called Potin lumps, those largest weights 59.2 kilograms (131 lb), where found at Alpenquai in 1890. They consist of a large number of fused Celtic coins, which are mixed with charcoal remnants. Some of the about 18,000 coins originate from the Eastern Gaul, others are of the Zurich type, that were assigned to the local Helvetii , and date to around 100 BC. The find is so far unique, and the scientific research assumes that the melting down of the lumps was not completed, therefore the aim was to form cultic offerings. The site of the find was at that time at least 50 metres (164 ft) from the lake shore, and probably 1 metre (3 ft) to 3 metres (10 ft) deep in the water. [9] [10]

Individual finds

During the November 2007 excavation under the guidance of Margrit Balmerm, well plates were found that were used by the Celts for making money. Researchers believe that in the wells, small amounts of metal were melted thereby producing metal blanks, and the planchets were later used for coinage. The 1st century BC inhabitants of Celtic Zurich therefore lived in a settlement Turicum that was more significant than assumed before. A v-shaped Celtic ditch was also dug out, which was discovered a few years ago[ when? ] at the site of the former Oetenbach nunnery. It was probably not an external but an inner moat. This finding is important because the Celts of the late LaäTène period divided their settlements with trenches into different zones. As in other Celtic settlements, this moat marks the artisans' quarter, lodging for the nobilitas, cult districts and public spaces. Emil Vogt assumed in the 1960s for traces of an early Roman military system, which he put into context with the Roman Alps campaigns in 15 BC, and so the Celtic finds in the beginning have been classified as Roman finds. During the renovations at Rennweg in 1989, archaeologists discovered traces of a Celtic settlement for the first time. The significance of the findings was recognized, however, only when in sewer rehabilitation remains of Celtic buildings a few years later have been found. Since then, archaeologists have made further discoveries during excavations at the foot of the Lindenhof hill, whose scientific evaluation proves the Celtic settlement. Recent discoveries set older finds in a new light, and the interpretation of the research is still not succeeded, and therefore old finds will be re-interpreted. [4]

Heritage site of national significance

The hillside area is listed as in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance, including the remains of its prehistoric, Roman and medieval settlements respectively buildings as a Class A object. [11]

Literature

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Zurich</span>

Zurich has been continuously inhabited since Roman times. The vicus of Turicum was established in AD 90, at the site of an existing Gaulish (Helvetic) settlement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Peter, Zurich</span>

St. Peter is one of the four main churches of the old town of Zürich, Switzerland, besides Grossmünster, Fraumünster and Predigerkirche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Altstadt (Zurich)</span> District in Zurich, Switzerland

The Altstadt in the Swiss city of Zurich encompasses the area of the entire historical city before 1893, before the incorporation of what are now districts 2 to 12 into the municipality, over the period 1893 to 1934. Die Altstadt approximately corresponds to the area enclosed by the former city ramparts, and is today within the administrative area of the city called Kreis 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rennweg (Zurich)</span>

Rennweg is a medieval main road and is today part of the inner-city pedestrian zone of Zürich, Switzerland. A rennweg was in the medieval German speaking territories a street where horses were moved. Once, it was one of the nodal points of road and public transportation. Today, as well as the Limmatquai, as well as Augustinergasse, it is a section of the southern extension of the Seeuferanlage promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887. Rennweg is one of the best known visitor attractions of the oldest area of the city of Zürich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schipfe</span>

Schipfe is a residential district in Zürich, Switzerland, located on the eastern slope of the Lindenhof, one of the oldest parts of the Helvetii Oppidum Zürich-Lindenhof, by the river Limmat. Historians and the Weinplatz suggest that the district was part of the former civilian harbour of the Celtic-Roman Turicum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lindenhof hill</span> Moraine hill and public square in Zürich, Switzerland

The Lindenhof is a moraine hill and a public square in the historic center of Zürich, Switzerland. It is the site of the Roman and Carolingian era Kaiserpfalz around which the city has historically grown. The hilltop area—including its prehistoric, Roman, and medieval remains—is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Augustinergasse</span>

Augustinergasse is a medieval lane that today is part of the innercity pedestrian zone of Zürich, Switzerland. It is named after the former Augustinian Abbey that is now Augustinerkirche, the former church of the convent that was disestablished in 1525. Once, it was one of the nodal points of road and public transportation between Münsterhof, St. Peterhofstatt, the present Münzplatz plaza at the former abbey, and one of the gates and fortifications of the medieval town walls. Today, as well as the Limmatquai, Augustinergasse is a section of the southern extension of the Seeuferanlage promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887, and one of the best known visitor attractions of the oldest area of the city of Zürich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Münsterhof</span> Town square in Zürich, Switzerland

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Potin is a base metal alloy used in coins. It is typically a mixture of copper, tin and lead and does not typically contain significant precious metals. Potin is usually used in reference to Celtic coinage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oppidum Uetliberg</span> La Tène era oppidium

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turicum</span> Former Gallo-Roman settlement in Switzerland

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sechseläutenplatz</span> Public square in the city of Zurich, Switzerland

Sechseläutenplatz is the largest town square situated in Zurich, Switzerland. Its name derives from the Sechseläuten, which is celebrated on the square in April.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grosser Hafner</span>

Grossner Hafner is one of the 111 serial sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, of which are 56 located in Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zürich–Enge Alpenquai</span> UNESCO World Heritage Site in Canton of Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich–Enge Alpenquai is one of the 111 serial sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, of which 56 are located in Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bürkliplatz, Zurich</span>

Bürkliplatz is a town square in Zurich, Switzerland. It is named after Arnold Bürkli, and is one of nodal points of the road and public transportation, and of the lake shore promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887. The tree-shaded square between Bahnhofstrasse and Fraumünsterstrasse is called Stadthausanlage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rathausbrücke, Zurich</span> Bridge in Lindenhof–Schipfe–Weinplatz–Limmatquai in Zürich, Switzerland

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waisenhaus Zürich</span> Historic site in Bahnhofquai , Zürich

Waisenhaus is the last remaining building of the Oetenbach nunnery, and houses today the police department of the city of Zürich in Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schanzengraben</span> Historic site in Switzerland

Schanzengraben is a moat and a section of the northwestern extension of the Seeuferanlage promenades that were built between 1881 and 1887 in Zurich, Switzerland. Schanzengraben is, among the adjoint Katz bastion at the Old Botanical Garden and the so-called Bauschänzli bulwark, one of the last remains of the Baroque fortifications of Zürich. The area of the moat is also an inner-city recreation area and a public park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Augustinerkirche Zürich</span>

Augustinerkirche was once one of the five main churches in the old town of Zürich, Switzerland, together with Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Predigern and St. Peter's. First built around 1270 as a Romanesque church belonging to the Augustinian abbey, on occasion of the Reformation in Zürich worship in the church was discontinued. The present Christian Catholic Church community of Zürich planned to rebuild the building to commemorate the old Augustinian church, and for the same reason, Augustinerkirche is still their Parish church, that was rebuilt in 1843/44 by Ferdinand Stadler. In the late 1950s, the church was rebuilt in accordance with the plans for the original structure. Today the building is one of the three medieval churches in the Lindenhof district of the city of Zürich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weinplatz (Zurich)</span>

Weinplatz is a popular public square adjacent to the Gmüesbrugg bridge and the historical Schipfe quarter.

References

  1. 1 2 Dölf Wild (2008-09-25). "Zürcher City unter Wasser. Interaktion zwischen Natur und Mensch in der Frühzeit Zürichs" (in German). Hochdepartement der Stadt Zürich. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  2. 1 2 "Baugeschichtliches Archiv" (in German). Baugeschichtliches Archiv Stadt Zürich. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  3. "Rennweg 8" (in German). rennweg8.ch. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  4. 1 2 "Aufsehenerregender Keltenfund in Zürich: Die keltische Siedlung am Lindenhof war bedeutender als bisher angenommen" (in German). Neue Zürcher Zeitung NZZ. 2007-10-18. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  5. 1 2 "Turicum II" (in German). Hochbaudepartement Stadt Zürich. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  6. "Lindenhof 2008" (in German). Hochbaudepartement Stadt Zürich. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  7. Beat Eberschweiler: Schädelreste, Kopeken und Radar: Vielfältige Aufgaben für die Zürcher Tauchequipe IV. In: NAU 8/2001. Amt für Städtebau der Stadt Zürich, Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Unterwasserarchäologie / Labor für Dendrochronologie. Zurich 2001.
  8. "Ältere Eisenzeit = Premier Age du Fer = Prima Età del Ferro". Jahrbuch der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Ur- und Frühgeschichte = Annuaire de la Société Suisse de Préhistoire et d'Archéologie = Annuario della Società Svizzera di Preistoria e d'Archeologia 59/1976. 1975. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  9. Keltisches Geld in Zürich: Der spektakuläre «Potinklumpen». Amt für Städtebau der Stadt Zürich, Stadtarchäologie, Zurich October 2007.
  10. Michael Nick. "75 kilogrammes of Celtic small coin - Recent research on the "Potinklumpen" from Zurich" (PDF). Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte, España. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  11. "A-Objekte KGS-Inventar" (PDF). Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, Amt für Bevölkerungsschutz. 2015-01-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-10-01. Retrieved 2015-09-13.