Maldingen

This is perhaps the most prominent historical monument in our area, the so-called Hochtumsknopf or Maldinger Knopf, which has been protected as a landscape since 1998. As can be easily seen by the tree growth, this is an artificially created earth mound. This mound, like the other burial mounds in the area, dates back to Celtic times and probably served as the final resting place of a tribal superior or military leader. The height of the burial mounds allows us to draw conclusions about the importance of the buried person.

The excavations that have taken place here since 1825 have brought to light several finds: In addition to sherds, bones and ashes, a slate roof of 3 square feet, remains of a clay vessel, parts of a harness covered with brown lacquer and a large iron container were found. Also discovered in the center was a piece of agate, an urn with sherds, and the tip of a spear in a large stone container. One local historian believed that the actual treasure of the Hochtumsknopf, namely a Roman general in golden armor, had not yet been found, as it might be below the ground level where the mound had been piled. Others saw in the mound a Roman tomb, namely that of the Roman legate Cotta, who, together with his comrade-in-arms Sabinus, had been lured into a trap and slain by Ambiorix, the Eburone chieftain. While Cotta was buried here, the grave of Sabinus is said to be on the Steinemann (near Espeler).

This interpretation, however, has to be relegated to the realm of legend, since in the area of the Steinemann and also at the Hochtumsknopf such precious ancient finds have never been made.

However, later excavations by unknown amateur archaeologists may have taken place here, as the trenches and furrows on the hill show; however, nothing is known about the results. Today the mound is inhabited by foxes – the only ones who can probably give information about the contents of the mound.

(Text by Mr. KLAUSER Klaus-Dieter)