Neolithic Rondel Found in Poland Reveals These Ceremonial Centers May Have Been Managed by Organizations Similar to Secret Societies 7,000 Years Ago

An archaeological discovery in the locality of Nowe Objezierze, in the northwest of Poland, has led to a significant breakthrough in understanding the Neolithic societies of Central Europe. An interdisciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Lech Czerniak from the University of Gdańsk has conducted a detailed analysis of a rondel, a monumental ceremonial structure dating back to around 4800 B.C. This discovery, the result of years of excavations and advanced analysis methods, has revealed previously unknown aspects of the construction, use, and ritual significance of these ceremonial centers.

Rondels are circular structures built by Neolithic communities, known for their association with rituals and ceremonies. These buildings, consisting of concentric circles of ditches and wooden palisades, were used between 4800 and 4500 B.C. They are found from the Danube region to the Rhine and Vistula basins. Although their exact purpose remains a subject of debate, it is believed that roundels functioned as spaces for cyclical celebrations, linked to astronomical events and community activities.

The rondel at Nowe Objezierze is distinguished by its size and complexity. With a diameter of 112 meters, it is surrounded by four concentric ditches and three trench systems that served as a base for wooden structures. The construction was carefully planned, integrating advanced technical and cosmological knowledge, according to the researchers.

The Słubia River Valley: synthetic imaging (geophysical research, remote photography and excavation trenches) on a 3D orthophotomap background, showing the rondel at Nowe Objezierze and its contemporary longhouse. Credit: Lech Czerniak

The analysis of the construction process was carried out using the chaîne opératoire method, which allows for the reconstruction of the technological and social stages involved. The evidence suggests that the construction of the roundel was a large-scale community project, involving hundreds of people over several years.

The first stage consisted of marking the perimeter of the central circle and preparing the land. This process, according to the researchers, may have included initial ceremonies to mobilize the community. Then, the ditches were dug and wooden structures were raised, which were likely covered with clay and roofed with reeds, making them resistant to the climate and the passage of time.

One of the most intriguing findings is the evidence of a ritual cycle in the construction and use of the rondel. The ditches did not remain open indefinitely; they were filled in after their ceremonial use and then reopened for new phases of activity. This process suggests that the ceremonies were not only related to the inauguration of the rondel, but also to its maintenance and renewal, integrating these activities into the community’s ritual calendar.

The interior of the rondel at Nowe Objezierze was surrounded probably by a wooden wall with a reed-covered roof. Credit: Marek Z. Barański

The orientation of the entrances to the rondel also sheds light on the astronomical knowledge of its builders. The entrances are aligned with specific cardinal points, indicating that the builders were interested in synchronizing ceremonies with solar events, such as the winter solstice.

The construction of the rondel required detailed planning and advanced social organization. The materials used included wood, clay, and reeds, sourced from nearby areas. The oldest ditches show signs of having been dug and refilled multiple times, an effort that would have required the coordination of numerous work groups.

The researchers emphasize that the technical knowledge necessary to build the rondel was passed down through generations, likely through community practices and learning rituals. Additionally, the presence of ceramics characteristic of the Stichbandkeramik style (punctuated decorated pottery culture) suggests that the builders were migrants from regions like Lower Silesia or northern Bohemia.

Nowe Objezierze, Moryń comm., site 22. Example of a typical cross-section of a rondel ditch: ditch 4B, southern gate. The white lines mark the outlines of the bottoms of three separate grooves, which illustrate the different depths of the renewed trenches. Credit: Lech Czerniak

The rondel not only functioned as a ritual space but also as a center to reinforce social cohesion. The ceremonies held there included communal banquets and possibly sacrifices, as indicated by animal remains found in the ditches. These activities not only marked milestones in the community’s life cycle but also established social hierarchies and ritual leaderships.

However, the researchers point out that the rondel should not be interpreted exclusively as a display of a leader’s power. It is possible that its construction and use were linked to egalitarian societies, where decisions were made collectively. It is even suggested that these ceremonial centers may have been managed by organizations similar to secret societies, dedicated to preserving and transmitting ritual knowledge.

The research also provides clues about the decline of the rondel. By around 4500 B.C., the structure ceased to be used, coinciding with changes in the region’s environment and social organization. Pollen analysis indicates a decline in agricultural activity, suggesting a decrease in the local population. This abandonment could be related to migrations or internal conflicts, marking the end of an era in the history of Neolithic communities.