Recent renovations at St. Mary’s Church in Gardelegen, Germany, have led to the exciting discovery of over 1,000 artifacts, some dating back to the church’s 13th-century origins.
Excavation Insights
The renovation project kicked off in June 2022, with the primary goal of installing a modern under-floor heating system.
This endeavor included comprehensive excavations that continued until September 2023, covering an area of 145 square meters and digging down about 40 centimeters beneath the original wooden floor.
Among the intriguing finds, researchers uncovered around 679 coins or their fragments tucked away beneath the church’s flooring.
But those coins are just the beginning.
The excavation yielded a fascinating assortment of items, ranging from dress pins and book clasps to ceramics, animal bones, and glass shards.
They also found iron nails, traces of plant material, tweezers, and colorful beads.
Notable Artifacts
One particularly striking artifact is an 8-centimeter bronze monkey figurine, discovered in the church’s nave.
The little statue depicts the monkey poised as if to raise a horn to its lips, yet experts are still debating whether it’s drinking or playing music.
According to the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology, representations of monkeys were common in medieval churches.
These figures often showed monkeys in amusing pursuits, such as playing games or making music, mimicking human activities.
However, towards the late Middle Ages, such depictions began to take on a darker tone, symbolizing sinful behaviors and moral failings.
Historical Context
Gardelegen, rich in history, lies in Saxony-Anhalt in northern Germany.
Established in the 10th century, this town is home to a hospital founded in 1285, a Catholic church, and three Evangelical churches.
Gardelegen’s past has been tumultuous, marked by significant events like the Thirty Years War and the harrowing occurrences of World War II, when the SS tragically murdered over 1,000 prisoners from a nearby concentration camp.
This remarkable blend of history, art, and archaeology paints a vivid picture of Gardelegen and its enduring heritage, reminding us of the stories that lay hidden beneath our feet.
Source: Christian Today
