Archaeologists excavating beneath the modern city of Berlin are uncovering a wealth of artifacts that are rewriting the understanding of the city’s origins. The ongoing work at the Molkenmarkt site, one of Germany’s largest inner-city excavations, has revealed over 750,000 items dating back to the Middle Ages, including evidence suggesting goat brain was once a popular snack.
Toilet Treasures and Medieval Life
The Molkenmarkt excavations, begun in 2019, are taking place at a depth of four meters, representing the original ground level of Berlin 800 years ago. Over time, the city has risen four meters due to accumulated debris and rubble. Archaeologist Eberhard Völker notes, “This is where Berlin began.” The unique conditions within medieval latrines and wells – a lack of oxygen – have remarkably preserved organic materials like wood, textiles, and leather, leading to unexpected discoveries.
Among the finds, a well-preserved wooden plate, despite its unpleasant odor from centuries spent in a cesspit, and a small clay figurine of Saint Catherine, who was tortured and beheaded for her faith, stand out. A rare gold ring with a garnet and a scrap of silk proving trade with China in Berlin’s early years have also been unearthed, alongside a 14th-century bone flute.
A New Museum for Berlin’s Past
The artifacts recovered from the Molkenmarkt are destined for the PETRI, a new museum opening in the summer of 2025. Built on the foundations of the medieval St. Peter’s Church and a Latin school, the PETRI aims to showcase a lesser-known side of Berlin’s history, moving beyond narratives focused on the Golden Twenties, the Nazi era, and the Berlin Wall. The museum will feature open workshops where visitors can observe restorers at work.
The museum also houses a poignant memorial to the city’s earliest inhabitants. Remains exhumed during the excavations have been reburied in an ossuary, with a book documenting the fates of those identified through skeletal analysis – evidence of tooth decay, fractures, and premature death.
Reassessing Berlin’s Origins
Scientific analysis of the skeletal remains suggests Berlin may be significantly older than previously believed, potentially predating the currently celebrated 800th birthday in 2037. Archaeologists are expected to continue their work at the Molkenmarkt for approximately two years before the site is redeveloped. The data collected will continue to be analyzed, adding to a growing understanding of Berlin’s medieval roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being found at the Molkenmarkt excavation site?
Researchers have uncovered over 750,000 items, including goat skulls, a wooden plate from a latrine, a figurine of Saint Catherine, a gold ring, a scrap of silk, and a bone flute.
What is the PETRI museum?
The PETRI is a new museum opening in 2025, built on the site of a medieval church and Latin school, that will house the artifacts discovered at the Molkenmarkt excavation.
How is the excavation changing our understanding of Berlin’s history?
The discoveries suggest Berlin is older than previously thought and are revealing details about the daily lives of its medieval inhabitants, offering a more complete picture of the city’s past.
As these excavations continue, what other untold stories of Berlin’s medieval past might be brought to light?
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