Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Burial Sites Near Wolfhagen City Church, Germany

Construction activities near the historic City Church in Wolfhagen, Germany, came to an abrupt halt following the unexpected discovery of human remains. This significant finding has mobilized archaeologists and historians to investigate the site, aiming to uncover more details about the region’s deep historical roots.

Personnel from the Technical Service of the City of Wolfhagen first encountered several human bones while conducting excavation work on the southeastern side adjacent to the church’s nave. Consequently, all building operations in the immediate vicinity were suspended mid-week, and the State Office for Monument Preservation Hesse was promptly notified and engaged.

Drawing on previous discoveries made in the church's proximity, experts currently hypothesize that the bones belong to individuals who were interred there long ago, consistent with Christian burial customs.

Archaeologist Tilo Warnecke, who is overseeing the ongoing investigation, confirmed that the unearthed remains represent a minimum of 13 different individuals. The bones were found lying adjacent to one another, and in some spots, stacked on top of each other, situated at a depth ranging consistently between 40 and 60 centimeters below the surface.

The skeletal remains are generally well-preserved. This favorable condition is largely attributed to the calcareous soil composition, which has minimized the leaching of lime from the bones over time. Nevertheless, Mr. Warnecke noted that certain areas showed damage to the skeletons, likely inflicted by the pressure exerted by heavy construction equipment operating nearby.

Warnecke posits that these individuals were local residents interred in Wolfhagen in centuries past. Historically, it was standard practice to bury the deceased in consecrated ground immediately surrounding churches. Since no grave goods or funerary artifacts were recovered alongside the remains, pinpointing the exact age of the skeletons remains challenging. The burials could potentially span the entire period from the church's founding up to the 19th century.

Scattered among the bones, archaeologists discovered distinct, angular iron nails accompanied by remnants of wood. This evidence strongly suggests that some of the deceased were buried inside wooden coffins. Whether the alternative practice of burying individuals in shrouds was dictated by financial constraints is unknown; however, no traces of burial shrouds have been identified so far.

While an anthropological study could potentially provide more precise information regarding the age and characteristics of the skeletons, such research is not currently scheduled. Further historical context might be gleaned from records pertaining to the city of Wolfhagen, such as chronicles or church registers. For now, the bones will be meticulously documented, measured, and photographed. They will then be temporarily stored before being reinterred later, most likely close to the original burial site near the church.

The current excavation on the nave's southeastern side is part of a project designed to create additional parking spaces on Burgstrasse. When undertaking work near historic structures like the Evangelical City Church, involving archaeologists is standard protocol, as the ground often holds surprises. Pastor Martin Jung emphasized the necessity of handling the remains with sensitivity and dignity. Once the investigations conclude, the individuals will be reburied, following established church guidelines and procedures for interment.

Archaeologist Tilo Warnecke reiterated the historical context, explaining that burying the dead in the vicinity of churches was the accepted custom from the 11th and 12th centuries onward, a tradition that persisted until the 19th century. New cemeteries were only established when space around these sacred buildings became scarce.

The discovery of human bones near the City Church is not unprecedented for the residents of Wolfhagen. Approximately twelve years ago, during the construction of new utility infrastructure, skeletons were uncovered, along with old walls indicating a predecessor building. Among those remains was a woman who may have been pregnant at the time of death, alongside two young children. The close proximity of that previous find to the tower foundations and its location on the church's stone floor suggested the woman might have held a higher social status.

The overall construction project between the church and the town hall is slated for completion by early November 2025. However, the work required by the archaeologists and historians is expected to continue for several weeks. Mayor Dirk Scharrer anticipates potential delays due to the necessary archaeological intervention but confirmed that the scheduled Christmas market on December 6 and 7 should remain unaffected.