Archaeologists in Germany have discovered a narrow medieval tunnel under an ancient pagan burial site. The burial site dates back about 5,000 years to the Neolithic period. The tunnel was built much later, during the late Middle Ages. This finding was shared on January 29 by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt. The excavation took place near Reinstedt. The burial complex belongs to the Baalberge culture from the 4th millennium BC. It includes a large ditch enclosure and burial pits used for rituals. The tunnel was first thought to be a grave after finding a trapezoidal pit and stone slab. However, digging deeper showed it was an erdstall — a narrow underground medieval tunnel found in Central Europe. Inside the tunnel, archaeologists found late medieval pottery, an iron horseshoe, animal bones, stones, and charcoal remains from a small fire. Large stones blocked the tunnel entrance, showing it was closed on purpose. This proves people used and then intentionally sealed the tunnel. Experts say it is unusual that medieval builders made this tunnel under a prehistoric pagan burial spot. The choice was likely not accidental. One idea is that ancient earthworks were still visible in medieval times and guided builders. Another is that Christians avoided disturbing pagan graves, making the spot good for hidden use. The exact purpose of erdstalls is still unclear. They might have been hiding places, storage, or used for rituals. The Reinstedt tunnel is very narrow and shows signs of short or occasional use, not permanent living.