World’s oldest unicyclist? Discovered in a sixth-century B.C.E. tomb in Hochdorf, Germany, this bronze figure provides evidence of the burial practices, rather than the cycling techniques, of Iron Age Europe. The upraised arms of six such figurines (plus two without wheels) supported a 10-foot-long bronze bed, on which the body of a 40-year-old man was laid to rest. Amber and bone originally filled the holes in the figurine, creating a necklace, bracelets, earrings, anklets and belt for this ornate caster. Thin bronze sheets decorated with battle scenes also embellished the upholstered bed. The raised arms and bowed legs of […]
