Rubicon Archäologie is proud to be bringing its first independently delivered archaeological project in Germany to a close.

The project, undertaken at the Church of St. Jakobus in Regenstauf, Bavaria, represents an important milestone in the continued development of our German operation. While Rubicon has already gained substantial experience in Germany through its work on the major SuedLink infrastructure programme as part of INFRA JV, the Regenstauf project was delivered solely by Rubicon Archäologie.

Archaeology at St. Jakobus

The renovation of St. Jakobus included improvements to the external areas surrounding the church. As this work involved ground disturbance within a historic churchyard, Rubicon Archäologie was appointed to provide archaeological monitoring and excavation services.

Our team monitored the excavation of several tree pits and a shallow cable trench around the church. Archaeological work was carefully coordinated with the construction programme, allowing the external improvements to progress while ensuring that any archaeological remains were identified, protected and appropriately documented.

During the works, the team encountered a number of human burials and displaced human remains. The evidence reflected the long history of burial and construction activity around the church, including disturbance associated with earlier grave reuse and building works undertaken during the 20th century.

Four archaeological burial features were recorded during the reported phase of work, alongside finds including iron nails, a small metal ring, a copper coin and a fragment of pottery.

Each feature was investigated using a combination of written records, measured survey, photography and orthophotography. These records provided the basis for accurate digital drawings and ensured that the archaeological evidence was captured to the required professional standard.

The team worked in close consultation with the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection, adapting the excavation strategy as remains were identified. This included extending excavation areas where necessary, coordinating the treatment of human remains and ensuring that the works complied with the requirements of the relevant heritage authority.

Working in Partnership

The project was delivered in close cooperation with Huber Architekten in Regensburg, whose team coordinated the wider renovation and construction programme.

Clear communication and a constructive working relationship allowed archaeological requirements to be integrated effectively into the works. As discoveries were made, Rubicon Archäologie and Huber Architekten worked together to review the programme, coordinate access and ensure that both the archaeological investigation and the wider renovation could continue efficiently.

We would like to thank the Huber Architekten team for their support and for the positive cooperation maintained throughout the project.

Building on International Experience

Although this is Rubicon Archäologie’s first project in Germany delivered independently of INFRA JV, it is supported by decades of experience across the wider Rubicon group.

Our teams in Ireland and the United Kingdom have delivered archaeological services across development, infrastructure and heritage projects of varying scales and complexities. This experience has established proven systems for project management, fieldwork, health and safety, quality assurance, digital recording and engagement with clients and statutory authorities.

Our work on SuedLink has also provided extensive experience of operating within the German archaeological and construction sectors. Through that programme, Rubicon Archäologie has developed its understanding of German regulatory requirements, regional archaeological practices, multilingual project delivery and the coordination of archaeology alongside active construction works.

The Regenstauf project has allowed us to bring these strands of experience together: the technical knowledge and established procedures developed in Ireland and the UK, combined with the local insight and operational capability gained through SuedLink.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

Completing our first standalone project is more than an individual project achievement. It demonstrates that Rubicon Archäologie has the personnel, systems and technical capability required to manage archaeological commissions directly within Germany.

The work at St. Jakobus required careful communication, responsive decision-making and the sensitive treatment of human remains within an active renovation project. Its successful delivery reflects the professionalism of our field team, the support provided by our wider German and international operations, and the strength of the cooperation established with the project team.

We would like to thank everyone involved, including our archaeological team, Huber Architekten in Regensburg, the contractors working on site and the representatives of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection.

As Rubicon Archäologie continues to grow, the experience gained at Regenstauf provides a strong foundation for the delivery of future archaeological projects across Germany, both independently and in collaboration with our established industry partners.