In the Netherlands, a somber discovery has come to light as archaeologists unearthed a disturbing mass grave containing 20 skeletons, found in the city moat in Vianen.

City workers, engaged in excavating the moat, stumbled upon the majority of remains belonging to young individuals aged between 15 and 30.

The bodies were initially discovered on a Friday, with only nine skeletons found. However, when the workers returned to the site on Monday, they uncovered an additional eleven skeletons. The bodies were found to be stacked, surprising archaeologists, according to Alderman Christa Hendriksen.

The archaeologists were taken aback by the find, and the arrangement of the bodies suggested a deliberate stacking, possibly sealed inside wooden boxes, as indicated by the discovery of rusty nails around the site. This has led to speculation that the skeletons might have been located outside of Batestein Castle.

Batestein Castle, built in the 14th century, had a history marked by hardship. In 1567, the town and castle were overtaken by the Spanish Army.

Over a century later, a large fire, ignited by fireworks, consumed the castle’s walls, and due to financial difficulties, it was never reconstructed.

The discovery of these human skeletons, dating back to a period between the late Middle Ages and a few hundred years ago, raises questions about the circumstances surrounding their interment.

The presence of the skeletons near the former Batestein Castle grounds adds an intriguing historical layer to the ongoing archaeological investigation.

According to Hendriksen, there is a belief that more remains may be uncovered, prompting a broader exploration of the area to unveil the full scope of this historic find.