In the Dürrnberg salt mine located near Hallein, Salzburg, Austria, archaeologists have made a remarkable find—a child’s leather shoe dating back over 2000 years to the Iron Age. This discovery, part of ongoing excavations led by Professor Dr. Thomas Stöllner, sheds light on ancient mining practices and provides insights into the daily lives of Iron Age miners.
Exploring Ancient Mining at Dürrnberg
The German Mining Museum Bochum, a Leibniz Research Museum specializing in Georesources, has been actively involved in documenting ancient mining activities at the Dürrnberg site since 2001. Situated near Hallein, Salzburg, the Dürrnberg salt mine holds historical significance as one of the oldest known salt mining sites dating back to the Iron Age.
A Remarkable Discovery
This year’s excavations in the Georgenberg tunnel yielded an exceptional find—an impeccably preserved child’s leather shoe. Crafted over two millennia ago, this shoe offers a rare glimpse into ancient craftsmanship and provides valuable insights into the daily lives of Iron Age miners and their families.
Preserving Ancient Crafts
The preservation of organic materials such as leather in salt mines is attributed to the unique environmental conditions that prevent decay. Salt’s hygroscopic nature effectively dehydrates organic materials, keeping them remarkably intact over centuries. As a result, artifacts like the child’s shoe offer archaeologists invaluable information about ancient footwear and leatherworking techniques.
Insights into Iron Age Life
Alongside the child’s shoe, archaeologists unearthed other organic artifacts, including fur from a hood and lacing made of flax or linen. These discoveries, combined with the design of the shoe, provide clues about fashion and daily life in the region during the 2nd century BC. Further excavations aim to uncover more details about Iron Age mining practices and estimate the amount of salt extracted during that time.
Continuing Excavations
Excavations at the Dürrnberg salt mine will continue, with the objective of fully uncovering the site to gain a comprehensive understanding of Iron Age mining operations. By studying artifacts like the child’s shoe, researchers aim to piece together the story of ancient miners and their contributions to the region’s history and economy.
