close your eyes. make a wish. Toss a coin into the water.
Whether it’s Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain or a water feature in a nearby shopping mall, wish-filled aqueducts are common but may not be a new phenomenon.
Germeling archaeologists unearthed 3,000-year-old wooden wishes, the Bavarian Office for Monuments Protection said in a December 20 news release. Unlike today’s coin-filled fountains, this well was packed with over 100 well-preserved artifacts.
At the bottom of the 16-foot well, archaeologists have found various items that appear to have been intentionally placed. Given the depth of the well, the relics could have been ritual offerings or religious sacrifices made during a long drought, archaeologist Marcus Gugkenbiel said in a release.
More than 70 finely crafted clay vessels were unearthed from the well, with photographs showing decorated cups, pots and bowls. Experts pointed out that these potteries are not everyday items.
Excavations also uncovered 26 bronze lobe pins at the bottom of the well.
A bracelet, two metal spirals, and four amber beads were all recovered from the well.
In addition, archaeologists have found animal teeth and wooden scoops attached inside the well. The number and quality of the items indicate that the artifact did not fall into the well by chance, experts said.
The Well of Hope is one of more than 70 wells found at the excavation site, but the only one with relics found inside. Archaeologist Jochen Herrstrow says the find is extremely rare.
Archaeologists are excavating the site ahead of the construction of the mail delivery center. The Wishing Well and its relic pile will be further studied to gain more insight into the daily life of the 3,000-year-old settlers.
Germeling is located in southern Bavaria, about 10 miles west of Munich.
Google Translate was used to translate the news release from the Bavarian Monuments Preservation Agency.
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