Historic discovery: Massive grave unearthed in Germany containing 1,000 skeletons
Researchers reveal the uncovering of a potentially record-breaking mass grave in southern Germany, believed to be the largest in European history. The site has amazed archaeologists with its staggering find of 1,000 skeletons, shedding light on a haunting chapter of the past.
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Archaeologists in southern Germany have uncovered what could be the largest mass grave ever found in Europe.
Approximately 1,000 skeletons of plague victims have been uncovered in mass graves in the heart of Nuremberg. Experts estimate that there may be over 1,500 individuals buried in these graves. The discovery was made during an archaeological investigation conducted before the development of new residential properties in the city.
Melanie Langbein, from Nuremberg’s department for heritage conservation, told CNN that eight plague pits were identified, each containing several hundred bodies.
Archaeologists had to work from improvised bridges due to the high density of burials.
Archaeologists had to work from improvised bridges due to the high density of burials.
In Terra Veritas
Langbein mentioned that those individuals were not buried in a traditional cemetery, despite the presence of designated plague cemeteries in Nuremberg.
She explained that this was due to the urgent need to bury a significant number of deceased individuals quickly, without following the usual Christian burial customs.
Langbein believes that the mass graves are most likely a result of an epidemic like the plague.
Nuremberg faced plague outbreaks approximately every 10 years starting from the 14th century, making it difficult to determine the age of the remains.
The remains are thought to date from the 1632-1633 plague epidemic.
The remains are thought to date from the 1632-1633 plague epidemic.
In Terra Veritas
Archaeologists have discovered a mass grave in Terra Veritas and used radiocarbon dating to determine that it dates back to between the late 1400s and early 1600s. They also found pottery shards and coins at the site, which are believed to be from the later part of that time period.
The team also found a note from 1634 describing a plague that claimed over 15,000 lives in 1632-1633. It mentioned about 2,000 burials near St. Sebastian Spital, where the excavation is taking place, according to Langbein.
Based on this information, the team believes that the older set of remains likely belongs to the victims of the 1632-1633 epidemic.
The impact of the 1632-1633 epidemic was worsened by the Thirty Years War.
The impact of the 1632-1633 epidemic was worsened by the Thirty Years War.
In Terra Veritas
Julian Decker, whose company In Terra Veritas is carrying out the excavation, told CNN he was surprised by the discovery.
He mentioned that there were no signs suggesting there were burials in this area. When the initial remains were found, he initially thought they might be from World War II bombing raids.
One of the site where the human remains were found was in Levens, Cumbria.
One of the site where the human remains were found was in Levens, Cumbria.
From The Francis Crick Institute
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Decker now believes the site may contain more than 1,500 bodies.
“I personally expect the number to be at 2,000 or even above, making it the biggest mass grave in Europe,” he said.
Langbein explained to CNN that the epidemic in 1632-1633 was more severe compared to previous ones due to the effects of the Thirty Years War, a series of battles involving multiple European countries from 1618 to 1648.
She mentioned that during that time, Nuremberg was under siege by various armies, leading to a population living in very difficult conditions.
The researchers say that the graves provide a good cross-section of society from that time. This allows them to study the population's characteristics.
Decker mentioned that they can use statistical methods to analyze the city's size and demographics. They can determine the percentage of children, adults, women, men, and overall health status, similar to how a modern census team would do with a current population.
University of Chicago
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“Technically we could find out what percentage were left handed,” he added.
Next up is work to complete the excavation, as well as cleaning and analyzing bone material, Langbein told CNN.
Langbein mentioned that collaborations are in place with institutions that have a keen interest in specific findings, such as studying the plague genome and researching parasite eggs in the soil.
Furthermore, Langbein mentioned that there are plans for an exhibition, but it will require some time to prepare. The earliest possible timeframe for the exhibition to be ready is fall 2025.
