Archaeologists Discover Mass Grave from the Black Death in Germany
January 14, 2026103 AufrufeLesezeit: 2 Minuten
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A team of archaeologists in Germany has identified the site of a historic mass grave from the Black Death, providing a rare opportunity to comprehend the extent of the health crisis that resulted in millions of deaths during the 14th century.
The site is located near the abandoned village of Neuses, just outside the city of Erfurt. Researchers believe it contains the remains of thousands of victims who died between 1346 and 1353, a period during which half of the population in some European regions perished.
Combining History and Science for Discovery
The team utilized a combination of historical documents, field surveys, and sediment analyses to accurately locate the grave site, as the locations of mass graves have been lost over centuries. Geographer Michael Hein from Leipzig University confirmed that a study published in PLOS One indicates the identification of one such grave, although excavations are necessary for definitive confirmation.
Details on Burial Practices and Environment
Analyses revealed that the burials occurred in soil rich in organic materials and carbonates at the edge of the Jura Valley, while moist clay soils were avoided due to slow decomposition of the bodies. This arrangement reflects medieval beliefs about miasmas, linking disease spread to contaminated air.
Significance of the Discovery for Science and History
Ulrike Wehrban from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research emphasized that confirmed mass graves from the Black Death are extremely rare in Europe, with fewer than ten known sites. This discovery facilitates the study of the evolution of the bacterium Yersinia pestis, understanding mortality rates, and the responses of European communities to historical epidemics.
The site represents a vivid example of integrating historical research with modern scientific methods to uncover lost chapters of human history, offering valuable insights into the spread of the Black Death and its effects on medieval towns and communities.
