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Urnfield culture

A small group of circular tombs with decorated stone slabs, the Zeichensteine (lit. 'symbol stones'), have been found on both banks of the Regnitz river between Forchheim and Erlangen. These stone circles measuring 1 – 4 m in diameter surrounded a fire site containing cremated human remains and grave goods. The stone slabs are placed on edge and decorated with geometric motifs on their outward facing side – frequently within the upper third section. The graves may once have been topped with an earth mound.

The patterns are carved into the sandstone. They consist of single motifs that rarely continue on adjacent slabs. Basic patterns include parallel lines, as well as ladder, grid, zig-zag, herringbone, criss-cross, and circular patterns, which were also used in combination.

Neither the idea behind the configuration of the stones nor the meanings of these patterns are known. They are motifs commonly used on ceramics of the same period. The Zeichensteine originate from the early Urnfield culture (Hallstatt A) period.