Monastery foundation and early history of Chemnitz in the context of archaeology
Lecture on the occasion of the city's 875th anniversary - on 25 January, 6 pm at the State Museum of Archaeology (smac)
Chemnitz is celebrating its 875th anniversary this year. A joint project by the Chemnitz History Society, the Chemnitz Saxon Industrial Museum, the Schloßberg Museum, the Chemnitz State Museum of Archaeology and the Chemnitz City Archive entitled "875 years of history in twelve months" is honouring the city's history.
The next lecture will take place next Thursday, 25 January at 6 pm at the State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz (smac), Stefan-Heym-Platz 1.
Dr Jens Beutmann, Head of Department at the smac, will be speaking on the topic of "The foundation of monasteries and the early history of Chemnitz from an archaeological perspective".
Admission is free.
The town of the same name was founded in the 12th century in a widening valley of the River Chemnitz. When and where exactly this process began is still a matter of debate among scientists. A document from 1143, in which the foundation of the Benedictine monastery on today's Schloßberg was confirmed a few years earlier and the construction of a market town was ordered, is taken as the reason for the town's anniversary. However, archaeological finds have so far only been able to prove that construction began in the 1180s, where the core of the town still lies today.
The lecture will not only discuss various theories on the early development of Chemnitz, but will also go in search of traces of the medieval settlement in the Chemnitz city area that can still be recognised today. The journey will not only take us underground - with a look at the excavations of the 1990s. Sometimes even greater distance helps to recognise connections.
The complete programme of events for the city's 875th anniversary can be viewed HERE.