Himmelreich

Field name
Site:	Volders [from first object]
Coordinates:	47° 17' 16.80" N, 11° 34' 44.40" E [from first object]
Objects found here:	IT-1 potsherd (circular wall, northern section) IT-2 potsherd (circular wall, northern section) IT-3 potsherd (settlement)

Map

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Images

site plan of the Himmelreich settlement given by Kasseroler (1957).

Commentary

• The findspot Himmelreich is situated on a smaller hill between Volders and Wattens. Himmelreich is 643 m a.s.l. (cp. Kasseroler 1957: 7).
• The excavated archeological structures point out a settlement comprising different houses and outbuildings. The settlement was surrounded by a circular fortified wall.
• The different structures as well as the findings refer to a dating from the 5th to the 1st centuries BC. In all probability the destruction of the settlement is synchronic with the Roman conquest of the Alpine region around the year 15 BC. In succession the remains of the settlement were used at times until the 4th century AC. Franz confirms a dating to La Tène C and La Téne D concerning the findings discovered by Kasseroler, i.e. between 1953 and 1955. Related to the findings made by Stainer, therefore the findings discovered further east between 1932 and 1935, Franz states a dating until the Late Roman period (cp. Franz 1958: 124).
• Concerning the indications given on the museum site the major part of the findings came to light in the houses I and V. In addition to this information it should be noted that also in the area of the circular wall was discovered a large number of findings. According to the museum site the ceramic fragment of a bowl type Fritzens with a well legible inscription was found in house V. However, Kasseroler states the northern section of the circular wall as exact place of discovery (cp. Kasseroler 1957:90–104).
• Between 1932 and 1935 the findspot was explored by Dr. Karl Stainer (cp. Sinnhuber 1949). A ceramic fragment with Raetic inscription was found during these excavations (cp. Sinnhuber 1949: 64–65, pl. XXV, 43). On the museum site it is suggested that on the lower terrace, in the east and the north of the hill, was located a burnt offering place and that the findings discovered by Stainer would confirm this assumption. However, Sinnhuber argues only in relation to a settlement (cp. Sinnhuber 1949: 109–113). The excavations on the Himmelreichbühel were continued between 1953 and 1955 by Dr. Alfons Kasseroler.
• cp. Sinnhuber 1949; Kasseroler 1957; http://www.museum-wattens.at

S.K.

Bibliography

Franz 1958	Leonhard Franz, "Ur- und frühgeschichtliche Funde in Nordtirol. Eine Übersicht von 1947 bis 1957", Der Schlern 32 (1958), 119–128.
Kasseroler 1957	Alfons Kasseroler, Die vorgeschichtliche Niederlassung auf dem „Himmelreich“ bei Wattens [= Schlern-Schriften 166], Innsbruck: Wagner 1957.