Sensational finds in Darmstadt: Oldest cemetery with 13 skeletons discovered!

Sensational finds in Darmstadt: Oldest cemetery with 13 skeletons discovered!

The construction work around the city church in Darmstadt has brought unexpected historical treasures to light. While working on new water and gas pipes, archaeologists came across finds from the city's oldest cemetery, which dates back to the 12th century. The discoveries were presented on Friday by the city, the Lower Monument Protection Authority and the State Office for Monument Preservation. Tagesschau reports.

A total of 13 skeletons were found, including the remains of children. This suggests that the cemetery was used in a variety of ways until the 16th century, where burials took place in sometimes elaborate coffins. During the archaeological monitoring of the canal work, which took place due to the known burial sites, various ceramic and pottery shards were recovered, some even dating back to the Bronze Age. Frankfurter Rundschau informed.

Historical finds in detail

A particularly telling find was a metal hoe, indicating agricultural activity. In addition, fragments of printed paper were discovered in a wall joint. These finds are of great importance for the settlement history of Darmstadt, which was first mentioned as “Darmundestat” in the 12th century. The children, women and men who were buried there provide information not only about the burial practices of the time, but also about life during this time. Federation of Homeland and Environment in Germany emphasizes the importance of historic cemeteries.

However, the archaeological work is not only a look into the past, but also a sign of the close cooperation between E-Netz Südhessen and the monument protection authorities. This cooperation ensures that the construction work is not only carried out efficiently, but also that the region's valuable heritage is respected. E-Netz Südhessen noticed the abnormalities in the ground in 2023 when laying the new pipe network.

The church and its historical context

The town church itself, which was built in the 12th century, has an eventful history. After various renovations in the 19th century and a reconstruction after the destruction of the Second World War, it now offers insights into the building culture of the time. The surrounding architecture and the remains of the former cemetery wall, which was in use until 1799, testify to a long tradition of burial in the city. Frankfurter Rundschau emphasizes that the burials often took place under difficult conditions.

The finds will now be brought to the central depot in Wiesbaden and will become part of comprehensive documentation that will be available for future research. It remains to be hoped that these excavations not only enrich the history of Darmstadt, but also increase awareness of the value of historical sites in our society. In a country so rich in history, such archaeological findings play an important role in the care and preservation of our cultural heritage.