Hidden beneath a parking lot in the heart of Berlin, a team of archaeologists made a remarkable discovery nearly two decades ago. They unearthed the remains of almost 4,000 forgotten individuals from a cemetery that was paved over by a former Communist regime. The skeletons, some dating back to 1160, shed light on Berlin’s early history and challenged existing beliefs about the city’s timeline of inhabitation.
A Journey of Discovery
Delving into the bones and teeth of these ancient Berliners, scientists uncovered surprising revelations about the city’s early days. Their research not only expanded our knowledge of the past but also highlighted the resilience and stories of those who once walked the streets of Berlin.
A Reverent Return
After years of study and analysis, the remains of 100 medieval and early modern individuals have found their way back to the heart of Berlin. In a poignant display of respect and remembrance, a horse-drawn hearse accompanied by 100 present-day Berliners paraded through the city streets, carrying the coffins of these long-forgotten settlers.
“It is a gesture from us recognizing their existence,” shared Claudia M. Melisch, the lead archaeologist spearheading the project. The grand funeral procession serves as a tribute to the lives that once thrived in Berlin, now honored and remembered in a museum at the very site where they were laid to rest.
