Archaeologists Unearth 188 Medieval Statues in Berlin, Astonished to Find Remains of 'Holy People' Within
Recently, researchers excavated bones of possible holy beings nestled inside medieval figurines in Germany. The discovery happened in Berlin at Molkenmarkt, stated Live Science. In total, the site had 188 figurines, most of which depicted females. Experts claim that all of these figurines were used as reliquaries – containers for storing the remains of religious personnel. According to authorities, the figurines were dated back to the mid-14th Century.
The figurines measure around three inches in length, and while all depict women, there are certain noteworthy differences. Some of the women are showcased wearing a crown in the collection. Archeologists have yet to understand the reason for this distinctiveness. Each of these figurines has circular inlays made into them, some of which were found to hold human bones.
Researchers speculate that the bones were placed in the figurines as part of a Middle Ages practice amongst Christians to preserve the remains of holy individuals. The claim was backed by the presence of a 4.3-inches-tall (11 cm) statuette resembling the Saint Catherine of Alexandria at the site. After examinations, the statue was confirmed to be made in the mid-15th century, which falls in the medieval period. The statuette shows the famous missionary holding a sword and wheel with a crown on her head. As per experts, the crown symbolizes Saint Catherine's marriage with God.
Saint Catherine supposedly lived in the fourth century and spread her religion far and wide in the Roman Empire. She also raised her voice against the persecution of Christians. According to legends, Roman emperor Maxentius (reign circa 306 to 312) passed an order to torture her on the wheel and later got her executed. Experts are unsure whether Saint Catherine was a real person or a mythical figure.
Despite having strong guesses, because of a lack of proof, researchers have not conclusively declared the origin of the bones. Experts were also intrigued about the location in which they uncovered the bone collection. Molkenmarkt has been widely regarded as the oldest square in Berlin, and the presence of human remains at the location stands to reveal more about its rich history. Hence, a major future agenda for researchers focussed on these findings is to figure out why so many bones were placed in this particular square.
The site has always been of huge interest to experts, with several excavations having already taken place in the region. Before the discovery of human remains, archeologists uncovered items like a samurai sword from Japan's Edo period (1603 to 1868) in the area. The excavations are done to recover all the important artifacts before Molkenmarkt undergoes redevelopment.
Archeologists also located a statue showcasing the Virgin Mary as the subject in the site, according to Archaeology Magazine. The holy mother was depicted with Baby Jesus in her hands while offering him an apple. Researchers are ecstatic to find medieval statues in Berlin, as such discoveries are rare in the area. "Both figures of saints are extremely rare in the archaeological context of the Berlin area—and beyond—and offer a special insight into the bourgeois piety of the late Middle Ages," said Sebastian Heber of the Berlin State Office for Monument Preservation.