The excavation covered an area of about 4,000 square meters. Throughout the process, researchers found medieval pottery kilns, remnants of a long-forgotten street, and dozens of clay figurines that likely served as children’s toys nearly 700 years ago.
According to Dr. Bertram Jenisch from the State Office for Cultural Heritage (Landesamt für Denkmalpflege), the workshop is remarkably well-preserved, unlike later buildings that were destroyed during World War II.
Among the findings is a section of the medieval street, Ziegelgasse, which was once lined with houses and craftsmen’s workshops. Unlike the more prestigious buildings in the center of Freiburg, these homes were modest, designed with practical layouts to meet the needs of their inhabitants. The discovery of this street fragment is, in Dr. Jenisch’s view, a significant stroke of luck, as most medieval streets have long been buried beneath modern infrastructure, as reported by Arkeonews.
A Tiny Toy Factory
The most remarkable discovery was the finding of pottery kilns from the 13th and 14th centuries, the first documented in the city. These kilns produced ceramics for household use as well as toys. Archaeologists uncovered fragments of over 40 small clay figurines: men and women in headgear, mothers holding children, and horses.
Dr. Jenisch believes these could be the work of a single craftsman who “specialized in making clay toys at the beginning of the 14th century.” “This discovery is a true sensation for the history of Freiburg,” he added.
For excavation leader Benjamin Hamm, these figurines are incredibly emotional; they represent more than just artifacts: “It’s touching to see that there was room for childhood joy in life despite wars, diseases, and religious conflicts.”
The discovery also shed light on the planning and construction of the ancient city. Archaeological data confirmed that the street network was laid out first, followed by the division of the area with walls. A zone 42 meters wide, known as Almen, was designated for workshops and kilns.
For Freiburg, the discovery of these artifacts is immensely significant. It has demonstrated a tangible connection to the medieval roots of the city and its inhabitants. The clay figurines serve as a reminder of a simple truth: children have always been the same; they play, imagine, and create their own worlds.