One of the largest mass graves discovered: archaeologists uncover a medieval communal burial site (photos).

During excavations at Leicester Cathedral in England, archaeologists uncovered one of the largest medieval mass graves ever recorded in the UK. The researchers found the remains of 123 individuals, who were apparently buried in three distinct phases, writes Arkeonews.

Initially, experts believed that the remains from this burial site were victims of the "Black Death." However, radiocarbon dating revealed that the burial predates the notorious pandemic by approximately 150 years. This prompted researchers to explore alternative explanations for the sudden mass fatalities.

The team led by Matthew Morris from the Archaeological Service of the University of Leicester discovered evidence that the burial occurred in three rapid stages. According to Morris, the bodies were transported on carts and hastily placed in a pit, indicating an urgent response to a mass casualty event. He estimated that the buried individuals represent about 5% of the medieval population of Leicester at that time.

Historical texts, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, frequently mention periods of famine, disease, and mass mortality in England between the 10th and 12th centuries. These accounts align with the timeline suggested by radiocarbon dating, reinforcing the possibility that the causes of death could have been plague or starvation. Samples from the remains have been sent to the Francis Crick Institute in London for further analysis to determine if pathogenic microorganisms were involved.

The absence of clothing remnants indicates that the bodies were handled with care, adhering to organized civic customs even in emergencies. This discovery builds upon the rich archaeological history of Leicester Cathedral, particularly the 2012 finding of the remains of King Richard III in a nearby parking lot.

Leicester Cathedral, an ancient house of worship and notable tourist attraction, garnered attention once more when the remains of Richard III were reinterred there in 2015. Recent excavations, which uncovered nearly 1,200 burials spanning eight centuries, provide an extraordinary glimpse into the historical and cultural landscape of Leicester.

We have also reported on a unique artifact discovered in Turkey. Archaeologists unearthed an alabaster seal that belonged to a noble figure.