Cemetery from 18th century - 160 skeletons discovered at a landmark construction site - digging terminated
Archaeologists have completed their excavations at the construction site for the new Guest House of the Landtag and discovered approximately 160 skeletons dating back around 1600 years. A Landtag spokesperson is now waiting for the approval of the responsible monument protection authority to begin construction of the new Guest House. The "Rheinische Post" had previously reported on this.
The archaeological excavations at the waterfront in the inner city of Düsseldorf were reportedly completed at the end of last week, according to the Landtag. "Approximately 160 skeletal individuals were excavated in total. We hope for the archaeological release of the Landscape Conservation Association Rhineland to be issued promptly, so that the remaining deep excavation works can continue", said a Landtag spokesperson to the dpa news agency.
At the end of October, construction workers discovered the first bones during the demolition of the old Guest House. The police were called in and, with the help of the city archives, it was determined that a soldiers' cemetery had been laid out at the construction site in the 18th century. The archaeologists unearthed numerous individual graves and several mass graves. The excavated bones are initially to be stored and later reburied.
The archaeological findings at the construction site have sparked interest in ancient history, with local newspapers like the "Rhinish Post" covering the story extensively. The State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia is eagerly awaiting the approval for the excavated site to be labeled as a protected monument, ensuring the preservation of this historic cemetery.
The archaeological excavations have unearthed significant artifacts along with the skeletons, providing valuable insights into the lives and burial practices of people from around 1600 years ago. The new Guest House, scheduled to be built at the construction site, will now feature a dedicated section showcasing these archaeological findings.
