1-155-258 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Lake dwellings and associated artefacts from Lake Zurich Switzerland, 1888. Based on the mid-19th century work of Swiss archaeologist Ferdinand Keller. The winter of 1853-1854 was dry and the water level in Lake Zurich fell. At Meilen, dredging for land reclamation revealed ancient wooden piles driven into the bed of lake, evidence of pile dwellings (Pfahlbauten). Various implements were found as well, including pottery, stone hammers and axes. The site showed evidence of continuous occupation from the Stone Age through to the Iron Age.