Researchers are genuinely haunted after uncovering the hidden truth behind a mass grave filled with bones discovered in Russia.
On September 5, The Sun reported that a mass grave was found in Yaroslavl, Russia. Experts have associated this site with the brutal invasion of Europe by the Mongol army in the 13th century. Yaroslavl was invaded in 1238 by the Mongol forces led by Batu Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan.
The mass grave discovered in Yaroslavl, Russia.
Although this occurred a long time ago, the scale of destruction from the attack has only recently come to light. In 2005, during excavations at the Assumption Church—built in the 13th century but destroyed in 1937—researchers uncovered numerous mass graves.
Many skeletons piled on top of each other in the mass grave.
Approximately nine burial pits were excavated at that time, containing the remains of over 300 victims who suffered painful deaths.
“The campaign led by Batu Khan is regarded as the greatest national tragedy, surpassing all other tragedies in terms of brutality and destruction. It is no coincidence that it is one of the few events included in Russian folklore. What we know about this invasion indicates that the phrase describing history as ‘the city submerged in a sea of blood’ is not just a metaphorical expression,” stated Asya Engovatova, a researcher from the Institute of Archaeology at the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
Some historical texts suggest that the incorporation of Russia into the Golden Horde was done in “peace and voluntarily.” However, recent DNA testing has shown that the Mongols massacred many families during their bloody campaigns in Central and Eastern Europe, including Russia.
Scientists use DNA testing results to determine relationships between the corpses in the grave.
The most recent mass grave is a shallow pit beneath the ruins of a wealthy house that was burned during the Mongol attack on the city. The main wooden house and the outbuildings contained numerous artifacts showcasing the homeowner’s wealth.
The remains of 15 individuals, including men, women, and children, showed significant decomposition before they were buried in the mass grave. The shallow pit indicates they were hastily buried.
“In addition to recreating the overall picture of the downfall of Yaroslavl in 1283, we have now discovered the tragedy of an entire family.
DNA analysis shows that several individuals buried in the mass grave were members of a family spanning three generations: a grandmother around 55 years old or older, a daughter approximately 30 to 40 years old, and a granddaughter around 20 years old. A fourth family member was buried in a nearby mass grave.”
Many fracture marks on the skull indicate the victims suffered a horrific death.
The data regarding when these individuals were buried is incredibly valuable and supports anthropologists’ hypothesis that the bodies decomposed before burial. These individuals were murdered, and their corpses were buried in snow for quite some time.
“Around April or May, swarms of flies began to smell and swarm around the decomposing bodies. By the end of May and June, the bodies were buried together in a grave,” Asya stated.
The bones of the victims also show signs of a violent death, with penetrating wounds and difficult-to-heal cuts. Evidence of fire indicates that the entire city was burned down.
