Heavy stones were placed on the chest of a man buried at the execution site to keep him from "rising from the grave" as a so-called "revenant." Live Science
Archaeologists in Germany have made a fascinating discovery at an old execution site near the town of Quedlinburg. They found a grave where a man was buried under heavy stones, a measure believed to prevent him from rising from the dead as a so-called "revenant." This site, known as a gallows, was used for executions from the 1660s until the early 19th century.
The grave is part of a larger excavation that has revealed at least 16 other graves at this gallows site in Saxony-Anhalt. According to Marita Genesis, the lead archaeologist on the project, the fear of revenants—people who might return after death—was common in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries. Many believed that those who died suddenly or without proper rites might come back to haunt the living.
Genesis explained that various precautions were often taken for these individuals. These could include practices like burning incense, placing crosses, or binding the body. In this particular case, the man was buried on his back without a coffin, and large stones were placed on his chest. Genesis noted, “This was obviously intended to prevent him from rising from the grave.
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One of two "bone pits" found at the execution site is believed to hold the remains of criminals that were disturbed by later burials, according to archaeologists. Live Science
Interestingly, the skeleton showed no signs of execution, although methods like hanging or drowning typically wouldn't leave visible marks. Further analysis may shed light on how this man died, as the lack of physical evidence complicates understanding his fate.
The area, referred to as "galgenburg" or "gallows hill," served as a site for the execution of criminals. It is likely that bodies were buried there to avoid the trouble of transporting them long distances. In addition to the graves, archaeologists uncovered two "bone pits" containing remains that had been disturbed by later burials. Some skeletons showed evidence of sharp-force injuries, suggesting torture or severe punishment.
Most individuals buried at the gallows were laid to rest without care, often in positions indicating they had been bound. Genesis remarked that the way these bodies were treated showed a lack of compassion, similar to how animal carcasses might be discarded.
One individual buried at the site was laid to rest in a wooden coffin, which has mostly decayed. Archaeologists believe this person may have taken their own life. Live Science
One burial stood out from the rest; it belonged to a person who was interred in a wooden coffin—a rarity at the site. This individual was found lying on their back with hands placed in front, suggesting a more dignified burial. The archaeologists suspect this person may have died by suicide, which at that time was viewed as a form of murder, hence the requirement for burial at an execution site. The remains indicated care, as three amber beads, possibly part of a rosary, were found with the body.
Genesis believes there were likely tens of thousands of similar execution sites across Europe, many of which have been lost to agriculture and urban development. The remaining sites provide valuable insights into the legal and social practices of past societies. She stated, “Looking into the floor of a place of execution makes it possible to read the legal history of the respective region, as if in a book.”
