A collection of skeletons, thought to be from the medieval period, was uncovered in a mass grave in Vienna by municipal workers engaged in a routine construction project. Experts believe that the ratio of males found corresponds with those aged 15 to 30 who lived between the late Middle Ages and the 18th century, as noted by Michaela Ages.
Additionally, a number of rusty nails recovered from the site suggest that the stacked skeletons were originally buried in a wooden box. This rare find is located just outside Baten Castle, leading archaeologists to theorize that there may be more remains hidden in the vicinity. The discovery was made last Friday, with nine skeletons confirmed initially. However, archaeologists returned to the site on Monday and uncovered 11 more skeletons, bringing the total to 20.
Alderman Christa Hendriksen, one of the archaeologists, expressed her amazement at both the discovery and the fact that the corpses were piled together. The absence of personal artifacts like buttons or jewelry among the remains raises suspicions of a mass homicide, as this lack of personal items lends weight to the theory of a violent event.
It is also speculated that these skeletons were found just outside Baten Castle, which was constructed in the 14th century and faced numerous hardships. In 1567, the castle and surrounding town were overtaken by the Spanish Army. Over a century later, a fire ignited by fireworks caused significant damage within the castle’s walls, and due to extensive destruction and financial issues, it was never rebuilt.
The main tower was demolished in 1771, and the rest of the castle followed suit between 1828 and 1829. Today, only remnants of the castle remain, including parts of the decorative gate known as the Hof or Bosch Gate, along with some connected wall sections. The former castle terrace has since been developed into housing.
