1. A boy with blue eyes, who was interred over 3,300 years ago in southern Germany, was laid to rest in remarkable fashion, accompanied by a small sword, a silk garment, and a golden cross.
The remains of this child, dubbed the “Ice Prince,” were unearthed in 2021 near Mazzie in Bavaria, as archaeologists carefully revealed the burial chamber and explored its contents as a single entity.
The child’s grave is located south of the ancient Upper Germanic Limes, which once marked the boundary of Rome. As the Western Roman Empire collapsed in this region, Germanic tribes invaded during the early 5th century, and the boy lived in the 7th century.
Recent analyses indicate that the boy was approximately 1.5 years old at the time of his death, with radiocarbon dating suggesting he passed away between AD 670 and 680. Strontium isotopic analysis of his teeth enamel reveals he was local and primarily breastfed. His DNA analysis suggests he had blue eyes and light-colored hair. The research also indicates that he succumbed to a “chronic infection” due to a middle ear issue.
Buried in leather attire, the boy possessed a small sword attached to a richly adorned belt. The lavish items in his tomb, including rare silk clothing, indicate that he hailed from an influential local family, according to Bavarian state archaeologists’ reports Translated statements.
Related: The 1,800-year-old Warhorse Cemetery yielded remains of a beloved horse.
“Ice Prince”
The infant’s stone chamber was discovered in the remnants of a Roman villa during excavations for new construction. 2021 Statement. Archaeologists noted that the villa was likely repurposed as a burial site for the child, possibly due to his family’s wishes.
“The boy’s passing must have deeply affected his notable family,” stated the announcement. “They evidently went to great lengths to provide the child with a burial befitting his status.”
The entire burial was found in “exceptional condition” as the stone ceiling and walls effectively sealed off the chamber from sediment, according to reports.
Archaeologists from the state have opted to use liquid nitrogen to preserve the entire contents of the burial chamber, allowing it to be excavated as a single unit over a period of 14 hours. The use of liquid nitrogen was crucial to prevent the formation of large, destructive ice crystals, reaching temperatures of minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit (196 degrees Celsius), as noted in the statement.
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A Lavish Burial
Further findings indicate that the boy’s body was placed on a fur blanket within the chamber, with one of his garments trimmed with silk. During that era, silk was exclusively sourced from the Byzantine Empire, making it a rare symbol of status. Researchers emphasized the exceptional preservation of the clothing, which makes this discovery particularly remarkable.
The statement notes that the boy was adorned with a silver bracelet and had silver spurs attached to his shoes. Most toddlers typically begin walking between 8 to 18 months old, so it is plausible that this child had begun to walk before his untimely death.
The burial chamber contained fabric embellished with a cross made of thin gold strips—a noteworthy detail considering Bavaria was not fully Christianized until later. The region came under control of Charlemagne in the 8th century. Additionally, other grave goods, such as bronze basins, combs, wooden bowls, and drinking vessels with silver details, were arranged on woven mats at the foot of the body.
Archaeologists also uncovered hazelnuts, apples, and pears. Items previously thought to be dog bones are now understood to be fragments of piglets, which likely served as food offerings.
Research indicates that the structure housing the Ice Prince was renovated twice in the years following the burial.