The Mysterious Erdstall Tunnels of Central Europe: An Unsolved Archaeological Puzzle
By
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Summary
The article explores the mysterious erdstall tunnels found across central Europe - approximately 2,000 narrow underground passages that are too small for adults to walk through comfortably. These tunnels, typically no more than 2 feet wide and sometimes as narrow as 16 inches in diameter, present an archaeological mystery as almost no artifacts have been found inside them. Researchers struggle to determine their age and purpose, with theories ranging from religious or spiritual functions to practical uses like storage or escape routes. The tunnels' construction suggests they were deliberately made difficult to navigate, adding to their enigmatic nature.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledKnown as the erdstall, these passages are extremely narrow, never more than two feet (60 centimetres) wide nor high enough for an adult to walk in, and sometimes the passages become seemingly impossibly narrow, as small as 16 inches (40 centimetres) in diameter.
Determining their age and purpose is made difficult by the fact that almost no archaeological evidence has been found inside any of them.
The tantalising mystery of the erdstall
These aren't like the well-known catacombs of Paris or Rome.
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