Consisting of prehistoric pile dwellings or ‘Pfahlbau’. A swiss neolithic site exists called Wetzikon-Robenhausen, near Zurich ⋆

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wetzikon-Robenhausen is apart of the “Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps”
This designation includes various archaeological sites with remnants of prehistoric settlements that were built on wooden stilts or piles, primarily in the Alpine region. These settlements date back to the neolithic and bronze age periods. It is one of the 111 sites known, the 56 others known outside of Switzerland, in Europe.

It is located the Zurich Oberland region of Switzerland

The site used stilts, or dead trees. That allowed dwellings to be constructed over lakes
This provided various advantages such as protection from predators, floodwaters, and improved access to resources. The series of prehistoric settlements date back to the neolithic and bronze age periods.

Inhabitants were largely sedentary agriculturalists. They built wattle-and-daub. Both near, and on the lake

The‘pfahlbau’ required a variety of tools
Including: axes, adzes, awls, drop spindles, wooden boats and more. For all this work, they needed an energy supply too. The colony became well known for herding, hunting, and fishing in the lakes. And, by planting and gathering local grains, apples, and other plant foods.

This settlement zone, comprises of around 10 hectares or 24.71 acres
Including lakes, the buffer zone comprises of around 20 hectares (almost 50 acres). Have been discovered in all.

The southern end of the Pfäffikersee lake has been inhabited for over 10,000 years
Neolithic hunters and collectors built during the European mesolithic and neolithic time periods. Included, at various locations were storage bins. Probably used for travels and trade. Eventually, they moved to several small, permanently inhabited settlements closer to the shore.

The settlement is characterized by the excellent preservation. There is evidence of textile production, including a loom. A rare find is a dugout canoe which age is not released. There was also a door. Attributed to Pfyn culture.

From the bronze age, there were numerous finds. Including two trailers used for transport.

The mans land it was on Jakob Messikommer. He found many items there, while also looking for peat, so he could keep his farm warm
Beginning around 1857. He started exploring more. In all he has discovered more than 58 different animal species. There were woven fabrics, braids, seeds and evidence of the production of butter. He found a carved wooden knife; a trowel and scoops; a yoke of hazel; flail; and, remains of a garment including a braided mat. Additional individual finds included longbows, hatchets made of stone and stag horn, and ceramics. Quickly the site and him became well known.

Did you know? Jakob Messikommer was honored with a memorial stone. Called the Messikomer Eich. It is a giant oak on there former property.

Providing insights into the lives of prehistoric communities around the Alps. This neolithic site recognizes the significance of pile dwellings. The establishment of colonies and civilizations in the region and beyond. The ‘Pfahlbau’ provided greater security and protection from enemies, and the environment. While also giving excellent access and storage for resources.

The site offers valuable archaeological, anthropological and architectural information about ancient technologies, subsistence strategies, and social organization. Check it out with some more neolithic architecture today!