Archeologists discover 16th century mass grave in Antwerp

Archeologists discovered a 16th century mass grave containing approximately 16 skeletons of adult men at the Rijnkaai site in Antwerp, Belgium.

The team found the remains while excavating for remains of the Spanish city wall near the future Friendship Residence. Maarten Praet, an archeologist involved in the project, noted that the remains were tossed into a single pit with little care rather than being placed in traditional coffins.

Analysis of hair samples found in the pit indicates the remains date back to the 16th or 17th century. This discovery is unusual because previous mass graves in Antwerp were found near churches or abbeys, while this site sits in a less-known area between the city and its old walls. Experts are currently investigating whether the men died from a conflict or an epidemic.

The site's history includes the Siege of Antwerp and the Spanish Fury, but it also housed several plague houses. The team also recovered shards, knife fragments, and cannonballs from the area. Specialists will take the bones to a laboratory to check for signs of disease or physical trauma. Construction on the site will continue as planned while archeologists finish their work through the end of the month.

The project aims to complete six buildings with more than 200 homes, a parking garage, and office spaces by 2028.