Giant plague grave with 1,000 skeletons in Germany discovered by scientists

In Nuremberg, Germany, archaeologists have made a significant discovery while excavating for the construction of a retirement home. This find may constitute the largest mass burial of plague victims ever unearthed in Europe.

Approximately 1,000 skeletons of plague victims have been discovered so far in mass graves located in the city centre of Nuremberg. Archaeologists estimate that these graves may contain over 1,500 individuals in total, according to a press release.

Although precise dating is pending, initial assessments suggest that the eight plague pits were established around the first half of the 17th century. Notably, some bones exhibit a green hue, likely a result of the site being used to dispose of waste from a nearby copper mill.

“We will secure and archive all human remains that are found in the future construction areas,” stated Nuremberg Department of Heritage Conservation archaeologist Melanie Langbein and chief anthropologist Florian Melzer. They added, “We currently assume that once the work is completed in the spring, this will be the largest emergency cemetery for plague victims excavated in Europe.”

This discovery holds archaeological significance as it is anticipated to become the largest emergency cemetery for plague victims excavated in Europe upon the completion of the project in the spring.

Bubonic plague, notorious for devastating pandemics such as the Black Death and the Justinian plague, recurred frequently throughout history. Local epidemics persisted for centuries following the Black Death, impacting cities like Nuremberg.

Unlike traditional plague cemeteries such as St. Rochus in Nuremberg, where victims were buried according to Christian practices, these individuals were interred hastily during outbreaks, indicating the urgent need for burial.

Further analysis, including DNA testing, is necessary to confirm the presence of the plague bacterium Yersinia Pestis. In addition to shedding light on the circumstances of their deaths, excavating and studying these remains will offer valuable insights into the history of Nuremberg.