Archaeology
"Luther archaeology” - excavating the traces of the Reformation
Photo: epd-bild/dpa/Jens WolfExcavation leader Björn Schlenker from the State Office for Archaeology in Saxony-Anhalt cleans the surface of old ceramic sherds.With gentle brush strokes, archaeologists unearth the physical traces of history. The finds enlighten the unknown worlds of a period's everyday life, which do not have a place in historical record. Sometimes, rather unspectacular jigsaw puzzle pieces recount the enormous influence of the Reformation on the everyday culture of the people in the 16th century.
Barbara Scholkmann: "Archaeology makes the space and time of the Reformation visible"
Archaeological findings cause fundamental changes of our perception of the era of the Reformation. Barbara Scholkmann tells us whether findings can be attributed to the Reformer Martin Luther, and how the conversion of faith has influenced the culture of the people.
Restoration sponsors wanted for Luther's Death House
The Luther Memorials Foundation in Saxony-Anhalt is organising a fundraising initiative to rescue exhibits for the house in Eisleben where the Reformer died. Sponsors are wanted in order to support the restoration of the museum equipment from the 19th century. The re-opening of the site is scheduled for January 25, 2013.
Gallery: Museum exhibits from the rubbish pit
It is not exactly proper behaviour to approach a celebrity by rummaging through his rubbish. But in the rubbish pit of the Luther family, archaeologist unearthed spectacular finds from everyday life in the 16th-century, which received much attention from experts.
Luther's parental home in Mansfeld
In 1484, Hans Luder moved to Mansfeld with his wife Margarethe and their son Martin, who had been born in Eisleben in 1483. There, he became a successful smelting and mining entrepreneur. It is very likely that the Reformer spent his childhood on the huge estate acquired by his father.
