Gods-Graves-History. The Iron Age times of the Hallstatt People are livened up at “Celtic World Frög”. In this area, many grave mounds of that period were found, in one of which a wagon of the dead, made of lead was discovered. Following a path in between the grave mounds, the spectator ends at a show grave, an original mound which is prepared as a showcase.
Keltenwelt Frög shows more about the way of life, religion and world views and society of those here before us. Grave Mound 120 (where a female was buried) and the finds in it is the central point. There are short exhibitions of the Landesmuseum Kärnten combined with themed events.
The place is among others known for its international Celtic Gathering (“Internationales Keltentreffen”) which usually takes place in July.
When thinking of the grave mounds, this site might have been of importance for Carinthia in the Iron Age. One enters the archaeological open air museum through a T-shaped gate. World maps of Greek authors from the 6th and 5th century BC show how they viewed the world. One of the stories told was that the inhabited world was square with 4 ancient people at the corners: the Celts, the Scythians, the Ethiopians, and the people from India.
A cremation site presents a way of saying goodbye to the dead, leaving a discussion if the Celts were less or otherwise more barbarian than we are? A log cabin (500 BC inspiration) is used for workshops with earth and fire and also as accommodation for overnight stays. A rock is presented as location of special healing energy – one states that churches later often were situated at exactly these ‘old’ sites. ‘The energy network runs across our entire globe’.
Tumulus or grave mound 120 is the centre of the outdoor exhibition, representing a rich female burial. The hill is 11-12 metrees in diameter and originally 6 metres high. The burial room was 3.2x3.2 metres, 0.80-1 metre high. It was excavated from 2003 onward and dates to the 7th century BC. Authentic reconstructions of the finds are presented on the spot in a life size newly built grave room. Why would so many expensive objects accompany the dead? Does it make the afterlife better? The wagon for showing of (“Prunkwagen”) which you see on the west side of the room was not found here, but such cars are found more often in similar cases. The question is to what role the buried woman had in society. Near the grave mound, a site is made for worshipping Noreia, a fertility goddess.
A tent was raised to learn more about the excavation of 2002. It is also used for special exhibitions. Close to it, you will find a Celtic like noble house. It is the largest dwelling of the museum. Inside, authentic mannequin dolls are used to present a scene of the life of the Celt nobility, which is explained with texts, models and an exhibition.
The ‘Herrenhaus’ of 400 BC is built up again in so called ‘fachwerkbau’. Its plan is 10 x 7 metres. Probably this house used to be home for 15-20 people, cooking would have of course been done on open fires. A part of the house would have separate floors. At present, the house fits the museum management and the shop.
Near the Nobleman’s hall, you will also find a wal of about 2 metres tall presenting the ways of defending in those days. The people living in this village were no soldiers, but farmers. At the highest point (but inaccessible to public) you will find a tower which was meant as annex to the defence system around the settlement.
Picture by Johannes from Alauni
