Gerstewitz archaeology kiln skeleton
Definition
A 5,000-year-old archaeological site near Gerstewitz, Germany, where the skeleton of a young man with a battered skull was discovered discarded within the remains of an ancient kiln pit.
A subject of intense archaeological interest regarding the Corded Ware culture, specifically concerning whether the unusual burial context signifies ritual human sacrifice or localized violence.
Examples
Modern real estate developers are usually worried about finding gas lines, but the team near Gerstewitz had to deal with the 4,000-year-old mystery of a kiln occupant who definitely didn't pay his rent.
If you ever feel like you've had a bad day at the office, just remember the Gerstewitz skeleton who ended his final shift in a kiln pit when he clearly wasn't looking for warmth.
The archaeo-drama surrounding the Gerstewitz kiln skeleton suggests that 5,000 years ago, being 'fired' had a much more literal and permanent definition.