Centuries-old remains ceremoniously transferred

Hundreds of years old remains of thousands of people have been recovered from Petriplatz in Berlin in recent years. The mortal remains of around 100 people have now found a new resting place.

, and Melissa Williams

2024 June 29 . 1:29 PM

2 min read

A procession in which children and adults carry the remains of the first medieval and early modern... — A procession in which children and adults carry the remains of the first medieval and early modern Berliners in small coffins from the Parochialkirche to Petriplatz is led by a carriage and clergymen.

Archaeology - Centuries-old remains ceremoniously transferred

In a solemn, ecumenical procession in Berlin, the centuries-old remains of around 100 people were transported. They were brought from their previous storage place to the Archaeological House Petri am Petriplatz. Among them were also the remains of approximately 20 children, as the interfaith House of One announced on Saturday. The procession was led on Saturday by a historical hearse. It was accompanied by evangelical and Catholic clergy. The archaeologist Claudia Melisch initiated the transfer.

The remains had been discovered and excavated by archaeologists between 2007 and 2020 during diggings at the Petriplatz. The oldest of them dated back to a time before the first written mention of Berlin in the twelfth century. In total, the scientists unearthed the remains of nearly 4000 people. Most of them have already been reburied.

The remains of several hundred people were instead kept in the approximately 850 meter distant crypt of the Parochial Church in Berlin-Mitte for safekeeping. The goal was to transfer them to the Ossuary, the bone house, of the Archaeological House. The procession passed by the construction site of the House of One, a multifaith house with a church, synagogue, and mosque, which is to be built on the foundations of the former Petrikirche.

Press release House of One

The archaeologist Claudia Melisch, who led the procession, highlighted the historical significance of the transported bones, stating that they offer valuable insights into the city's ancient religious practices and early settlement.
The transfer of the ancient bones to the Archaeological House Petri am Petriplatz marks a significant step in the ongoing research of the city's rich archaeological history, which often intertwined with religious beliefs and practices.
The unearthed bones, some of which date back to before the first written mention of Berlin, will contribute to the Ossuary's collection, providing a unique window into the city's religious past and helping to illuminate its intricate history.