Photo credit: Krasnoyarsk Geoarcheology/VKontakte. A mass burial of human remains discovered during archaeological observation during the overhaul of water supply networks in Krasnoyarsk.
A mass grave containing human remains, believed to date back to the 17th century, has been uncovered in the historical part of Krasnoyarsk, Russia. The discovery was made by the company `Krasnoyarsk Geoarcheology` during routine capital repairs of the city`s outdoor water supply networks.
According to a statement from `Krasnoyarsk Geoarcheology` posted on their social media, anthropological remains were found beneath a road in the historical city center, amidst excavations for modern utility lines. Initial assessments suggest the burial could be from the 17th century, potentially linked to the era of the Krasnoyarsk Ostrog (fortress). However, experts caution that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. The mass burial was specifically identified during archaeological monitoring of water supply network renovations on Karatanova Street.
The archaeological firm noted that the site of this mass burial is located approximately 250-400 meters from known historical Orthodox cemeteries, such as Pokrovsky (17th-18th centuries), Voskresensky, and Preobrazhensky (18th-20th centuries) necropolises. This unexpected proximity to established burial grounds makes the find particularly intriguing for archaeologists.
Currently, an excavation is underway at the discovery site, with research into the burials proceeding simultaneously with the ongoing utility repair work. A portion of the anthropological finds has been sent for forensic examination.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth