In Saxony-Anhalt, archaeologists have uncovered another page in the life of Otto the Great: next to the foundations of his royal palace at Helfta near Lutherstadt Eisleben, a tenth-century stone building has been discovered whose existence was previously unknown.
The excavation is being conducted by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt under the direction of Professor Felix Biermann. The new structure, measuring roughly nine by five metres, adjoins the main palace and preserves a cellar with a clearly visible staircase. Based on the finds, it is dated to the tenth century — the reign of Otto I (912–973) and his son Otto II.
The function of the building has not yet been established. According to the researchers, it could have served as living quarters for the king's close associates or as the residence of a burgrave who administered the palace in the monarch's absence. Such a find complements the picture of the monumental stone complex that Otto the Great turned into an important centre of royal power.
Earlier, in 2020–2023, the remains of the Church of Saint Radegund, founded by Otto before 969, the cemetery associated with it, and the foundations of the palace itself were already found here. The new building has become one of the earliest known secular stone structures in the region and confirms that Helfta was not merely a temporary stop but a full-fledged royal residence with developed infrastructure.
The current work, in which around twenty volunteers are taking part, will continue until 24 October 2026. It is part of a project to create tourist infrastructure supported by the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Every new stone helps to understand how power was organised in early medieval Europe and how the daily life of the palace reflected the emperor's political ambitions.
The discovery shows that even well-studied historical figures continue to spring surprises when archaeologists return to old sites with modern methods.
