Tollense

The Tollense (IPA: [tɔˈlɛnzə]) is a river in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in northeastern Germany, right tributary of the Peene. The river starts as the outflow of the lake Tollensesee in Neubrandenburg. The Tollense is 68 km (42 mi) long and empties into the river Peene in Demmin.

Tollense
Location
Country	Germany
Physical characteristics
Source
- location	Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Mouth
- location	Peene
- coordinates	53°53′57″N 13°1′57″E
Length	68 km (42 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Peene→ Baltic Sea

History

According to several reports in the German media, several human remains of the bronze period have been found in the region named Tollense valley (German: Tollensetal) since 1997.

Many showed signs of injury and violent death. In 2008 research was concentrated on an area of 2 square kilometres (0.77 sq mi). Hundreds of bone fragments, as well as wooden weaponry and flintstone arrowheads have been discovered. The finds were possible due to the preservation of the former swamp ground and the fact that the Tollense has never really changed its flow.

It is now estimated that about 200 people died in a battle-like scenario in that valley about 1250 BC. Since the population then was about 5 people per square kilometre, about 13 people per square mile, this would've been the most important battle in Bronze Age Germany yet to be discovered. More investigation of the grounds is planned for the years 2010 to 2015.