- Dr. Richard Thomasedit
During the industrial revolution and expansion of Berlin there was a tremendous amount of building and expansion taking place. During the late 19th century, Prenzlauer Berg was on the outskirts of Berlin amongst the breweries and farming... more
During the industrial revolution and expansion of Berlin there was a tremendous amount of building and expansion taking place. During the late 19th century, Prenzlauer Berg was on the outskirts of Berlin amongst the breweries and farming fields. This peripheral location was deemed suitable for the construction of a hospital by the government. Hermann Blankenstein was chosen as the architect of the hospital on Fröbelstrasse. Since the construction of the hospital complex in 1889, the facilities have survived two world wars and a multitude of governments and just as many various purposes.
In July-December 2008, the Leichenhalle of the Fröbelstrasse Hospital complex was chosen as part of a Masterstudium Denkmalpflege with the Technische Universität (TU) of Berlin. The purpose of the TU project was to record, assess and proposes preservation plans, and recommendations for future uses to preserve the architecture. The archaeological goal was to assist in the overall project by fulfilling the following goals:
1) 2) 3) 4)
Establishing the various building phases of the Leichenhalle. Determine room function and time of use. Develop maps and layouts of various building phases. Establishing these findings within a greater historical paradigm.
The archaeological goals were completed successfully and were incorporated into the report Die Leichenhalle des ehemaligen Städtischen Hospital- und Siechenhauses von Hermann Blankenstein (1886-1889): Bauuntersuchung- denkmalpflegerischer Bindungsplan- Nutzungskonzept presented to the Technischen Universität, Berlin. Analysis of the construction phases and historical records suggest five separate building phases and purposes, which varied from government to government. While its earlier function is well known and documented, the succeeding phases of its use cannot be fully understood through the historical record. The 11-year phase during Nazi rule was virtually erased by the Soviets who wished to rid Berlin of the former political power. Following the Soviet occupation, the secretive MfS controlled the Leichenhalle and surrounding structures. This infamously secretive government branch left only clues in the historical record as to the function of the Leichenhalle for the next 35 years. On a map of the complex, the Leichenhalle is simply labeled as: Wachmannschaften (security guards) and that is all that is known of its use and modifications. Due to the undocumented MfS time and the Soviet erasure of all Nazi elements, 51 years (1934- 1985) of the Leichenhalle has been lost from the written record, save W achmannschaften.
The original construction was created to deal with the vast amount of corpses brought about by poor living conditions during the industrial revolution. Following this phase the public section, the former chapel, was modified to serve as a memorial, incorporating relatively expensive materials into the flooring of the former chapel creating the symbol of the state across the floor. The functional rooms where corpses were autopsied were likely converted into offices at this time, while the cellar was modified to make an air-raid shelter for the government officials occupying the building. At the end of World War Two, Berlin
was divided amongst the Allied forces. Prenzlauer Berg was now part of the Soviet Sector and was removed of all evidence of the former Nazi government. This included the removal of a monument in the chapel, but the flooring of the monument room was spared. It is not known why this may have been the case. The building was converted into a security guard house for the MfS, which continued the Soviet precedent of using the entire building as a functional structure off limits to the public. In addition to changing the function of the building, an addition was made, changing the appearance of the Leichenhalle. Economic GDR architecture was added to the Leichenhalle, contrasting with the relatively expensive multicolored and designed brickwork of the original façade.
Due to the historical significance of the building, it is recommended that preservation measures be taken to maintain the building. Specific preservation techniques have been outlined by Heise (2009). Archaeologically, the building represents a rare standing structure from the Third Reich that has managed to avoid being demolished and more importantly it demonstrates the Third Reich’s attempt to modify existing structures for their new empire and desperate modifications that were taken when their new empire was collapsing. For this reason, it is recommended that further archaeological investigations be carried out in the Leichenhalle to determine a more precise building chronology.
In July-December 2008, the Leichenhalle of the Fröbelstrasse Hospital complex was chosen as part of a Masterstudium Denkmalpflege with the Technische Universität (TU) of Berlin. The purpose of the TU project was to record, assess and proposes preservation plans, and recommendations for future uses to preserve the architecture. The archaeological goal was to assist in the overall project by fulfilling the following goals:
1) 2) 3) 4)
Establishing the various building phases of the Leichenhalle. Determine room function and time of use. Develop maps and layouts of various building phases. Establishing these findings within a greater historical paradigm.
The archaeological goals were completed successfully and were incorporated into the report Die Leichenhalle des ehemaligen Städtischen Hospital- und Siechenhauses von Hermann Blankenstein (1886-1889): Bauuntersuchung- denkmalpflegerischer Bindungsplan- Nutzungskonzept presented to the Technischen Universität, Berlin. Analysis of the construction phases and historical records suggest five separate building phases and purposes, which varied from government to government. While its earlier function is well known and documented, the succeeding phases of its use cannot be fully understood through the historical record. The 11-year phase during Nazi rule was virtually erased by the Soviets who wished to rid Berlin of the former political power. Following the Soviet occupation, the secretive MfS controlled the Leichenhalle and surrounding structures. This infamously secretive government branch left only clues in the historical record as to the function of the Leichenhalle for the next 35 years. On a map of the complex, the Leichenhalle is simply labeled as: Wachmannschaften (security guards) and that is all that is known of its use and modifications. Due to the undocumented MfS time and the Soviet erasure of all Nazi elements, 51 years (1934- 1985) of the Leichenhalle has been lost from the written record, save W achmannschaften.
The original construction was created to deal with the vast amount of corpses brought about by poor living conditions during the industrial revolution. Following this phase the public section, the former chapel, was modified to serve as a memorial, incorporating relatively expensive materials into the flooring of the former chapel creating the symbol of the state across the floor. The functional rooms where corpses were autopsied were likely converted into offices at this time, while the cellar was modified to make an air-raid shelter for the government officials occupying the building. At the end of World War Two, Berlin
was divided amongst the Allied forces. Prenzlauer Berg was now part of the Soviet Sector and was removed of all evidence of the former Nazi government. This included the removal of a monument in the chapel, but the flooring of the monument room was spared. It is not known why this may have been the case. The building was converted into a security guard house for the MfS, which continued the Soviet precedent of using the entire building as a functional structure off limits to the public. In addition to changing the function of the building, an addition was made, changing the appearance of the Leichenhalle. Economic GDR architecture was added to the Leichenhalle, contrasting with the relatively expensive multicolored and designed brickwork of the original façade.
Due to the historical significance of the building, it is recommended that preservation measures be taken to maintain the building. Specific preservation techniques have been outlined by Heise (2009). Archaeologically, the building represents a rare standing structure from the Third Reich that has managed to avoid being demolished and more importantly it demonstrates the Third Reich’s attempt to modify existing structures for their new empire and desperate modifications that were taken when their new empire was collapsing. For this reason, it is recommended that further archaeological investigations be carried out in the Leichenhalle to determine a more precise building chronology.
Research Interests:
The data used in the following preliminary analyses of graves 174, 181 and 195 was gathered in the temporary laboratory on site at Skriðuklaustur, Iceland. During the 2010 excavation season there were more graves excavated than could be... more
The data used in the following preliminary analyses of graves 174, 181 and 195 was gathered in the temporary laboratory on site at Skriðuklaustur, Iceland. During the 2010 excavation season there were more graves excavated than could be thoroughly analyzed at that time. As a result, during the end of the excavation season in 2010, the laboratory area was over crowded and spread out into the garage area. Photography and measurements were, therefore taken in less than optimal conditions. Despite the conditions, a reliable preliminary report could be produced in the following analyses.
The goals of each analysis was limited due to time constrains, but in general they were to determine:
o Sex (for example: XX female or XY male) o Age o Stature o Notable pathologies
These goals were able to be accomplished using standard anthropological techniques described in each section. The results of the three graves revealed:
• Grave 174 was an elderly man (for the Middle Ages) over 50 years old who suffered from osteomyelitis of non-specific aetiology or possibly Paget’s disease that he had likely lived with for a number of years. X- rays are recommended for these remains in a future analysis.
• Grave 181 was likely a female who was 50+ years old and suffered from some form of cranial deformity and possible facial deformation that could possibly have been caused by syphilis. There is an open possibility that she was affected with syphilis, but without more of the remains, it cannot be determined for certain.
• The remains of Grave 195 were of a female aged between 25-35 who possibly suffered from syphilis at the time of death.
These findings are reliable, however, it is recommended that a more thorough analysis be carried out in a permanent laboratory facility. Given the probable pathologies evident in the skeletons, it is entirely possible that the graves come from when the monastery was used as a hospice (1493-1554). Further investigation is warranted for these graves specifically because there are symptoms that share the same etiology as syphilis. There have been previous cases reported from this cemetery, but nonetheless, further investigation is warranted for confirmation or rejection of this diagnosis.
The goals of each analysis was limited due to time constrains, but in general they were to determine:
o Sex (for example: XX female or XY male) o Age o Stature o Notable pathologies
These goals were able to be accomplished using standard anthropological techniques described in each section. The results of the three graves revealed:
• Grave 174 was an elderly man (for the Middle Ages) over 50 years old who suffered from osteomyelitis of non-specific aetiology or possibly Paget’s disease that he had likely lived with for a number of years. X- rays are recommended for these remains in a future analysis.
• Grave 181 was likely a female who was 50+ years old and suffered from some form of cranial deformity and possible facial deformation that could possibly have been caused by syphilis. There is an open possibility that she was affected with syphilis, but without more of the remains, it cannot be determined for certain.
• The remains of Grave 195 were of a female aged between 25-35 who possibly suffered from syphilis at the time of death.
These findings are reliable, however, it is recommended that a more thorough analysis be carried out in a permanent laboratory facility. Given the probable pathologies evident in the skeletons, it is entirely possible that the graves come from when the monastery was used as a hospice (1493-1554). Further investigation is warranted for these graves specifically because there are symptoms that share the same etiology as syphilis. There have been previous cases reported from this cemetery, but nonetheless, further investigation is warranted for confirmation or rejection of this diagnosis.
Research Interests:
Between January and May of 2009, trench U was excavated in the Magdeburg Cathedral. The purpose of the excavation was to reveal the earlier foundations of the Ottonian cathedral and the various construction phases of the cathedral. At... more
Between January and May of 2009, trench U was excavated in the Magdeburg Cathedral. The purpose of the excavation was to reveal the earlier foundations of the Ottonian cathedral and the various construction phases of the cathedral. At approximately the fifth strata layer human remains were uncovered in a commingled state. These remains, labeled context 7350 Massengrab, were gathered and stored in the Stiftung Dome und Schlösser in Sachsen-Anhalt warehouse. Based on the stratigraphy of the find, it was determined to be no later than the early 13th century.
In October 2010, Glenn Arthur Ricci conducted an anthropological analysis of context 7350 as part of his Master’s dissertation for the University of Leicester. The goals of the analysis were:
1) To obtain as much information as possible regarding the population of the remains including: a minimum number of individuals; a most likely number of individuals; age; sex; stature; diet; pathologies; and occupation.
2) To determine a relative chronology of when the remains entered the archaeological record.
3) To relate obtained and inferred information from 1 to the historical record in order to fill in the gaps of the early historical record, of which there is very little regarding the population of Magdeburg.
The results for this project were compiled in two reports; one for the Master’s dissertation and another for the records of Stiftung Dome und Schlösser in Sachsen-Anhalt. The goals of the project were successfully met and were able to reveal much about early society in Magdeburg. The results were:
• A minimum number of 75 individuals with a most likely number of 150 individuals.
• 18 adult (25+ years) males, 19 adult females, two adults of indeterminate sex, 15 unidentifiable adults, and 21 subadults (8 between 3-5 years; 9 between 6- 12 years; and four between 13-24 years).
• Males stood approximately 173.97 +/- 2.79 cm (95% confidence interval) and females stood approximately 154.59 +/- 3.658 cm (95% confidence interval).
• The caries and calculus build up suggests a split in diet between carbohydrates and/or proteins with an overall hard diet contributing to accelerated attrition.
• Pathologies include symptoms indicative of leprosy, iron deficiency anemia, tuberculosis, Schmorl’s nodes, osteoarthritis, popliteal aneurysm, and nonspecific infections. Enamel hypoplasia and a 1:3 ratio suggest a relatively high mortality rate.
• Musculoskeletal stress markers of the femora suggest frequent abduction likely caused by habitual horseback riding. Distal femoral cortical excavation and lesions of the latissimus dorsi, teres, and pectoralis on the humeri suggest soldiering occupations for the males. Occupation for the females was inconclusive.
• Based on commingling of the remains, the postmortem damage to the bones prior to excavation, surrounding soil, cultural practices, and known decomposition rates for human remains in similar environments, it was determined that the commingled pit was a charnel pit used for secondary burial of primary graves that were likely being disturbed during the construction of the AD 1209 cathedral. For the primary burials, it would have taken from 16 months to 64 years for skeletonization to take place. Based on the law of Charlemegne that all burials had to take place in a churchyard and the establishment of the monastery in AD 937 and the construction of the Cathedral beginning in AD 1209, it is reasonable to use this as the timeframe for context 7350, with bone taphonomy suggesting and earlier range.
• The occupational findings conform to the placement of Magdeburg as a frontier town during the Ottonian dynasty that would need frequent soldiering. Alternatively, early Magdeburg was a major trade town that would also bring in merchants and other frequent riders of horses, not necessarily soldiers. The major trading center could be the cause of leprosy being brought at this time, pushing the dating of leprosy in the area back from the first mentioned case in the Sachsenspiegel in the 13th century.
In summary, this study was successful in completing its goals and has further demonstrated that a careful analysis of even fragmented and commingled human remains can shed light on the archaeological record. Based on this study, it is recommended that future archaeological excavations in the Magdeburg Cathedral incorporated anthropological research considerations into their research design so that if another charnel pit or mass grave is discovered, proper recording techniques can be implemented that will assist the anthropologist in understanding the context and relationship of the remains with one another and getting the most information from the remains.
In October 2010, Glenn Arthur Ricci conducted an anthropological analysis of context 7350 as part of his Master’s dissertation for the University of Leicester. The goals of the analysis were:
1) To obtain as much information as possible regarding the population of the remains including: a minimum number of individuals; a most likely number of individuals; age; sex; stature; diet; pathologies; and occupation.
2) To determine a relative chronology of when the remains entered the archaeological record.
3) To relate obtained and inferred information from 1 to the historical record in order to fill in the gaps of the early historical record, of which there is very little regarding the population of Magdeburg.
The results for this project were compiled in two reports; one for the Master’s dissertation and another for the records of Stiftung Dome und Schlösser in Sachsen-Anhalt. The goals of the project were successfully met and were able to reveal much about early society in Magdeburg. The results were:
• A minimum number of 75 individuals with a most likely number of 150 individuals.
• 18 adult (25+ years) males, 19 adult females, two adults of indeterminate sex, 15 unidentifiable adults, and 21 subadults (8 between 3-5 years; 9 between 6- 12 years; and four between 13-24 years).
• Males stood approximately 173.97 +/- 2.79 cm (95% confidence interval) and females stood approximately 154.59 +/- 3.658 cm (95% confidence interval).
• The caries and calculus build up suggests a split in diet between carbohydrates and/or proteins with an overall hard diet contributing to accelerated attrition.
• Pathologies include symptoms indicative of leprosy, iron deficiency anemia, tuberculosis, Schmorl’s nodes, osteoarthritis, popliteal aneurysm, and nonspecific infections. Enamel hypoplasia and a 1:3 ratio suggest a relatively high mortality rate.
• Musculoskeletal stress markers of the femora suggest frequent abduction likely caused by habitual horseback riding. Distal femoral cortical excavation and lesions of the latissimus dorsi, teres, and pectoralis on the humeri suggest soldiering occupations for the males. Occupation for the females was inconclusive.
• Based on commingling of the remains, the postmortem damage to the bones prior to excavation, surrounding soil, cultural practices, and known decomposition rates for human remains in similar environments, it was determined that the commingled pit was a charnel pit used for secondary burial of primary graves that were likely being disturbed during the construction of the AD 1209 cathedral. For the primary burials, it would have taken from 16 months to 64 years for skeletonization to take place. Based on the law of Charlemegne that all burials had to take place in a churchyard and the establishment of the monastery in AD 937 and the construction of the Cathedral beginning in AD 1209, it is reasonable to use this as the timeframe for context 7350, with bone taphonomy suggesting and earlier range.
• The occupational findings conform to the placement of Magdeburg as a frontier town during the Ottonian dynasty that would need frequent soldiering. Alternatively, early Magdeburg was a major trade town that would also bring in merchants and other frequent riders of horses, not necessarily soldiers. The major trading center could be the cause of leprosy being brought at this time, pushing the dating of leprosy in the area back from the first mentioned case in the Sachsenspiegel in the 13th century.
In summary, this study was successful in completing its goals and has further demonstrated that a careful analysis of even fragmented and commingled human remains can shed light on the archaeological record. Based on this study, it is recommended that future archaeological excavations in the Magdeburg Cathedral incorporated anthropological research considerations into their research design so that if another charnel pit or mass grave is discovered, proper recording techniques can be implemented that will assist the anthropologist in understanding the context and relationship of the remains with one another and getting the most information from the remains.