Unfortunately, some people don't get to achieve a legacy until well after their deaths. Such is the case with a recent discovery of a Medieval graveyard under Cambridge University. After centuries of obscurity, hundreds of once-forgotten souls will now have their stories heard.
The University of Cambridge has known about the mysterious graveyard under its buildings since the 1950s. However, the extent of the burial was never known until now.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
When archaeologists dug in, they were shocked to find 400 complete skeletons.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
They also discovered the remains of what could be as many as 1,000 more people.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
Originally a graveyard across from a hospital, the bodies date back to somewhere between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
The graveyard was the final resting spot of "poor scholars and other wretched persons."
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
The deceased were almost exclusively males.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
There were only a few women discovered, and no infants found anywhere on site.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
It took almost three years to excavate every skeleton.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
The dig took place between 2010 and 2012, though the photos were recently released for the first time.
Craig Cessford, Cambridge University Department of Archaeology and Anthropology
Although we'll probably never know their names, we'd like to think these souls are happy we know they existed. Their legacy finally lives on after 800 years, and they can now rest in peace.
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