BAD CAMBERG — An Iron Age grave with a wagon burial was discovered during excavations near Bad Camberg in Hesse, Germany, on June 25, 2026. The discovery occurred during preliminary investigations for a solar park construction project.

Archaeologists excavated the grave over two weeks, uncovering golden jewelry, weapon remains, and imported artifacts, including an Etruscan spouted jug. Evidence of a wagon burial was found in the form of a wheel hub, axle-cap, and iron tire fittings. The presence of these wheel components indicates a two-wheeled wagon was interred at the site. X-ray and CT scans of excavated soil blocks indicated additional grave goods remain to be unearthed.

Hesse State Archaeologist Prof. Dr. Udo Recker stated the grave dates to the Early La Tène period. "With the Early La Tène–period princely grave from Bad Camberg, we can now demonstrate the presence of a local Celtic elite that had previously only been assumed," Recker said. He added, "The grave, and the opportunity to investigate it using the latest research methods, is of great significance for Iron Age research in Hesse."

Dr. Kai Mückenberger, an archaeologist for the Limburg-Weilburg district, commented on the unexpected nature of the find. "Already after the geophysical survey of the planned area, we speculated about the possible presence of a Celtic elite grave," Mückenberger said. "That we would ultimately find not only a princely grave but even a wagon burial was something no one had expected."

Christoph Degen, the Hessian State Secretary for Culture, stated that this find contributes to Hesse's Iron Age heritage. Hesse Archaeology and the Keltenwelt research center in Glauberg are studying the finds. "The find from Bad Camberg fits into Hesse's rich Iron Age heritage," Degen said. "Sites such as the Glauberg have long demonstrated the outstanding role that present-day Hesse played in the Celtic cultural sphere." He added, "This new evidence can expand that picture: it promises new insights into social elites, craftsmanship, supra-regional contacts, and burial customs in the Late Iron Age."