Insights into Archaeological Projects in Lower Franconia
Book Presentation at the Museum of Franconia
Exciting insights into the archaeology of Lower Franconia were presented on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Museum of Franconia at the Marienberg Fortress.
For the fourth time, the “Archaeological Year in Bavaria” was presented for the district of Lower Franconia. Seventy guests attended the event organized by Benjamin Spies, museum curator and regional representative of the Society for Archaeology in Bavaria, which focused particularly on excavations and projects in Lower Franconia.
Following a brief welcome by Deputy Museum Director Veronika Genslein, Dr. Markus Merkl, the responsible regional specialist at the Bavarian State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, gave an introductory presentation on the tasks of archaeological heritage preservation as well as the development process of the “Archaeological Year in Bavaria.” Prof. Dr. Bernd Päffgen then presented the work of the Society for Archaeology in Bavaria and emphasized the importance of the “Archaeological Year in Bavaria” for communicating current excavations and projects to the general public.
Two projects were presented in greater detail that evening: Dr. Ralf Obst reported on the research into the historical execution sites near Altenstein in the Haßberge district. At the initiative of district heritage conservator Christiane Tangermann and in cooperation with the Burg- und Heimatverein Altenstein e.V. and the municipality of Maroldsweisach, the BLfD commissioned geophysical surveys at several sites. The results paint a picture of a complex system of early modern justice that can still be discerned in the landscape today.
Dr. Markus Schußmann then presented the excavations at the former mikveh in Aub, which have been underway in several phases since 2015 and are currently continuing. These excavations have not only allowed for a detailed study of the architectural history of the mikveh and synagogue. Numerous finds from the mikveh’s backfill also provide impressive and, in some cases, very personal insights into the life of the Jewish community of Aub in the Middle Ages and the early modern period.
Through the selection of presentations, the event deliberately highlighted the importance of volunteer work for archaeology in Lower Franconia. This played a decisive role in both of the projects presented and was expressly acknowledged during the evening.
A joint reception finally provided an opportunity for discussion and served as a successful conclusion to the event.
