Skeletons believed to date back to the seventh or eighth century AD have been found during excavations to repair the ‘masegni’ flagstones in St Mark’s Square in Venice, says lead archaeologist Sara Bini.
Archaeologists digging in Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Square stumbled upon a fascinating discovery: seven skeletons in a common grave dating back to the late Middle Ages. The historic dig, ordered to fix flood-damaged stonework, has not only unearthed ancient remains but also opened a window into the city’s hidden past.
“It’s a very important discovery,” declared lead archaeologist Sara Bini. The skeletons, including a child, a woman, and five adult males, were buried in a “brick tomb with a certain monumentality,” suggesting they were likely high-ranking individuals.
This discovery sheds light on a pivotal period in Venice’s history, before the famed square existed and the powerful maritime republic rose to prominence. The unearthed structures might be the remnants of San Geminiano Church, once revered as the “church of the Doges” before its demolition by Napoleon.
While the medieval origins of the remains are confirmed, further investigation is needed to understand their exact placement and potential connections to even older structures. By comparing historical documents with archaeological evidence, experts aim to determine if the site reveals the original San Geminiano Church or a later version.
Intriguingly, the anthropological study of the skeletons promises further revelations. There is the potential to learn about their age, sex, diet, and even possible diseases. While identifying them individually might be impossible without inscriptions, these insights would offer a unique glimpse into the lives and health of medieval Venetians.
