Archaeological excavations in northern Germany, have revealed fascinating insights into the penal practices of the Middle Ages and early modern period. Led by the State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt, the investigation of this historic execution site on the Galgenberg ‘Gallows Hill’ near Quedlinburg has unearthed significant discoveries, including human skeletons and burial remains dating back to the 17th century.
Skeletal remains of person found near the execution site. (State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt)
Buried at the Gallows
The site, known historically for its gallows erected in 1662 and used until 1809, has provided evidence of numerous executions.
The Saxony-Anhalt State Office announcement states one of the most notable findings is a rare coffin burial discovered near the gallows. The skeleton, laid on its back with folded hands and a rosary, suggests a more respectful burial, likely of a suicide victim, as those who took their own lives were typically denied burial in consecrated ground. This finding provides a rare glimpse into the treatment of suicides in the era, where societal taboos dictated their exclusion from church cemeteries.
The ‘respectfully buried person’ was possibly result of suicide. (State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt)
Another intriguing discovery is a burial weighted down with large stones, thought to be a “revenant grave.” In medieval superstition,…
