The lecture will be given by Dr Christoph Rinne from the Institute of Prehistory and Early History at Kiel University. Participation is free of charge and open to all interested parties without registration.
The megalithic tomb located in the Hundisburg district was recently researched, reconstructed and made accessible to the public between 2009 and 2025. The project was part of a programme on early monumentality and social differentiation at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel. In addition to Dr Christoph Rinne, four other scientists were involved. In addition to numerous specialist articles, two separate publications were produced.
The project could only be realised with broad local support. In addition to the Saxony-Anhalt State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archaeology in Halle an der Saale, the town of Haldensleben, Hundisburg Castle, the region's volunteer archaeologists, the members of the "Young Archaeologists of the Altmark", Dr Barbara Fritsch, the regional archaeology officer (Altmark and Börde) and the Haldensleben Museum were all involved.
The burial site is part of the largest closed megalithic burial area in Central Europe, the Historic Square Mile. The latter has been part of the European cultural route "Megalithic Routes" since the town of Haldensleben joined in 2023. In 2025, the Aller-Ohre-Verein and the museum dedicated numerous events to this megalithic tomb. In collaboration with the Haldensleben stamp enthusiasts, several decorative envelopes and special stamps were created.
The "Küsterberg" megalithic tomb was erected around 5,500 years ago during the Neolithic period and was used for burials for over 500 years. The site was built on an artificially flattened hilltop and contained a burial chamber with an entrance on the southern long side. The chamber originally consisted of 19 wall stones that supported seven capstones. A floor pavement was found in the interior. On the south side was a paved, almost semi-circular forecourt. The once 16 enclosure stones enclosed a mound.
In addition to describing the ground monument and the most recent research and reconstruction project, Dr Christoph Rinne will classify the tomb in terms of its significance within the Historic Square Mile and introduce various local historians who have rendered outstanding services to the preservation of the tomb.
Museum Haldensleben
Breiter Gang
39340 Haldensleben
Telephone: 03904 2710 Fax: 03904 7104735
Internet: www.museumhaldensleben.de E-mail: museumhaldensleben(at)landkreis-boerde.de
Opening hours: Tue. to Fri. 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00, Sun. 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00
The Haldensleben Museum is closed on Mondays and Saturdays!