Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9
Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 North Annex · Willendorf Site
Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)·Upper Palaeolithic·🇦🇹 Lower Austria, Willendorf, Austria
About
About Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9
Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 in Lower Austria, Willendorf, Austria is a Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP) cave attributed to Upper Palaeolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 48.3230N 15.4050E controls access to Lower Austria resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey cave for Lower Austria, Willendorf, illustrating Upper Palaeolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 25000–15000 BP
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic (35000–12000 BP)
- Culture
- Upper Palaeolithic
- Purpose
- Seasonal habitation, rock art sanctuary and burial site
- Rediscovered
- 1964 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 25000–15000 BP
Initial construction of Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 main structure
c. 1544 CE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
2004–2019
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
48.3230° N · 15.4050° E · 400 m · 4 mapped features
Willendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal cave — Shelter mouth 18 m wide × 10 m deep × 7 m high with diagnostic masonry/panel
48.3238° N · 15.4059° EWillendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
48.3220° N · 15.4043° EWillendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
48.3245° N · 15.4062° EWillendorf Lower Terrace Venus Layer 9 — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
48.3214° N · 15.4039° E