Archaeologists discovered over a thousand archaeological artifacts spanning seven centuries of history while installing an underfloor heating system at St. Mary’s Church in Gardelegen, Germany. The excavations took place between June 2022 and September 2023, revealing items that shed light on the region's life and customs over the centuries.
Built in the 13th century, St. Mary’s Church is notable for its Gothic style, with large halls, high vaulted ceilings, and large stained-glass windows. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its structure, preserving original aspects while integrating new elements.
The artifacts were found just 40 centimeters below ground, under the church’s original wooden floor, in 145 square meters. With the support of volunteers, archaeologists recovered 679 coins and coin fragments that had been corroded over time. In addition, several objects were found, such as necklace beads, pins, animal bones, ceramics, metal hardware, book clasps, glass fragments, nails, plants, and personal utensils, including tweezers.
The monkey figure, made of bronze and lead — Photo: © State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt, Friederike Hertel
The most intriguing find was a small monkey sculpture, about 3 inches tall, made of bronze and lead. The restoration and study team faced difficulty interpreting the piece's meaning. It is unclear whether the monkey has horns or is holding a wind instrument like a trumpet. "Depictions of monkeys are not uncommon in churches. They play board games, play music, imitate humans, or are trapped in branches and nooses," the researchers wrote. "They were considered demonic beings and, throughout the late Middle Ages, came to be seen as a reflection and caricature of the sinful and vicious human being."
Coins from different centuries found in the church — Photo: © State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt, Anika Tauschensky Although discovering coins and everyday objects is relatively common in archaeological excavations, the monkey sculpture stands out for its uniqueness and symbolism. Depictions of monkeys in medieval churches are uncommon, and their significance can offer insights into the cultural beliefs and practices of the time.
The State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt announced the discovery. However, the official statement did not specify the name of the lead researcher responsible for the excavation.
The news attracted the attention of the international archaeological community due to the quantity and diversity of the artifacts found, especially the enigmatic monkey sculpture. Such findings offer a valuable window into understanding medieval Europe's cultural, religious, and social aspects. Specialized media outlets, such as Revista Galileu, reported the news, expanding its reach to the public.
Archaeological discoveries in medieval churches are not uncommon. For example, an 11th-century medieval church in Naples, Italy, was found during excavations, revealing well-preserved frescoes and historical inscriptions. In Sudan, the ruins of a thousand-year-old cathedral were discovered, possibly the most significant known church in medieval Nubia. These finds contribute significantly to understanding the history and culture of medieval societies.
The discovery at St. Mary's Church in Gardelegen highlights the importance of archaeological research and restoration of historical monuments in the region. Again, the work underscores the importance of volunteer involvement in preserving archaeological heritage. Saxony-Anhalt has a dense network of volunteers who, in coordination with the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt, carry out specific tasks for preserving archaeological heritage.
In summary, discovering more than a thousand artifacts at St. Mary's Church provides an in-depth insight into medieval Europe's daily life, religious practices, and artistic expressions, enriching our understanding of this historical period.
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