During the last ice age - approximately 32,000 years ago, collecting and hunting groups of humans were tramping trough the steppe landscape of this region. The persons, their names and their language remain probably always hidden for us. By modern excavations, with which the finds are precisely seized and with most diverse natural sciences, one can reconstruct the life picture at that time.
During excavation work for a big water tank in Stratzing in 1988, a 7.2 cm large, stone Venus figure was found by archaeologists. This figure was created before 32,000 years and is thus the oldest stony work of art of the world. Around this place of discovery Stratzing built the Stone Age Park.
Diagrams along the Ice Age Demonstration Way shift the visitor into the time of the Stone Age hunters and collectors.
Fanny with its 32,000 years is not only the oldest work of art of Austria, but the earliest stony representation of humans - a woman - in the world. As raw material a thin amphibolites slate plate served, from which the shape was carved by only 7.2 cm size. Plastics of this kind rank among the rarely received certifications of ritual-religious expressions of the former human beings.
The statue is the most important find of these excavations and received its pointed names from the excavators because of the special attitude after the famous Austrian dancer Fanny Elssler.
To see the original is necessary to visit the Nature-historical museum in Vienna, an original copy can be seen in the Major office of Stratzing.
The figure lay broken near the edge of an originally primitive housing. This belonged to a camp, which ice-age hunters at the Galgenberg had used for some weeks. Near the respective fire places they focused most of their activities. The fireplaces donated warmth and light and were the centre of the joint life.
The captured animals did not only serve the nutrition: Except meat, entrails and fat one used also sinews, bones and skin for the daily necessary utensils. The most important devices were however manufactured from stones, which exhibited certain gap characteristics. These raw materials were gathered partially in the very next environment, in addition, brought far ago some kilometres. By means of intended impact techniques one processed the tubers for blade, scratches and scrapers. The remnants of these productions form the main part of the findings.
Ice Age Demonstration Way Stratzing is a historical book in the midst of nature - ideal for works outing, school trips and for interested groups. Duration of a guided tour including video film is approx.. 2 1/2 - 3 hours! In addition, we organize for you a wine cellar inspection with or without commentated wine degustation!
Program for students:
- Guidance at the Ice Age Demonstration Way Stratzing
- Introduction video
- Archaeologically reconstructed stone age camp
- Manufacturing of wooden and stone tools
- Spear and archery shooting (devices available)
- Producing a fire place with natural materials and grilling of sausages
Info and registration from May to Octobers under
Tel.: 0043 2719/ 82 87
Fax.: 0043 2719/ 83 11
or on-line.
