Workers made a surprising discovery while undertaking an expansion project for a bakery chain in Burgbernheim, Germany, when they uncovered evidence of early baking practices dating back to 800BCE.

Overseen by the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation (BLfD), the archaeological excavations revealed an unusually high concentration of pits filled with heat-altered stones.

According to Archaeology News these pits, often referred to as cooking or roasting pits, were associated with food preparation as confirmed by archaeobotanical studies.

Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples from the pits placed them firmly in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Head of Department of Archaeological Monument Preservation at BLfD Dr Stefanie Berg said cooking pits have been identified in previous studies both in this region and beyond.

“However, the exceptional concentration of these structures documented here is highly significant for reconstructing diets and agricultural practices during the Metal Ages in Bavaria,” she said.

One of the key discoveries from the site was a grinding stone, or millstone, measuring approximately 26cm by 34cm. Its smooth, concave surface indicated it was used for milling grain into flour. The underside of the stone, which has been flattened for stability, along with roughly hewn sides suggest the tool had been well-used.

Further archaeobotanical analysis revealed the charcoal samples contained 83 per cent grain residues. These were predominantly einkorn, oats, spelt and millet, and research indicated these were pressed into dough or breads. Researchers also found rare remains of physalis seeds, which also suggest a varied diet.

A number of bakeries dating back thousands of years have been uncovered in recent years, including in Turkey.