Under the grass in Hans Tavsens Park in Nørrebro, bones tell the story of the poor in the 1800s, while the area is soon to be transformed into a climate-adapted park.
Right now, the Museum of Copenhagen is conducting archaeological excavations in the park. Olivia Persson is one of the archaeologists involved in the work. (Photo: © Camilla Hole, DR) 31 minutes ago.
Right now, archaeologists are turning over the soil in Hans Tavsens Park in Copenhagen with shovels, brushes, and other tools.
And here, traces are emerging from over 1,000 people who were once buried in the city’s poor cemetery back in the 1800s. Most of them without large stones, grand words, or any clear place in the history books.
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> We can use it to gain insight into the poor population from this period and the history of Copenhagen.
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It is archaeologists from the Museum of Copenhagen who have put on their work clothes in Nørrebro, including Olivia Persson.
- I can hardly describe how amazing it is to be out here digging this up. It’s truly a dream experience, she says.
At the same time, important knowledge is coming out of the excavation.
- We can use it to gain insight into the poor population from this period and the history of Copenhagen, she says.
The reason the digging is happening now is that Hans Tavsens Park and Hans Tavsens Gade are to be transformed into a cohesive green area.
At the same time, Hans Tavsens Park must be able to collect stormwater from the local area to prevent flooding of roads and basements when the future brings wetter weather with more cloudbursts.
Here, Olivia Persson shows some of the finds that the archaeologists have made during the excavation:
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Great interest in the excavations
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This week, the Museum of Copenhagen has held free guided tours of the excavations to tell about the finds and the digging. Interest has been high, as all the tours are fully booked.
And the archaeologists often encounter curious passersby.
- Every day, people come up and ask what we are digging and finding. They say they think it sounds exciting and cool, says Olivia Persson.
The majority of the skeletons end up at the Anthropological Laboratory, where they are deposited and examined.
In addition, some are sent for analysis – especially those that have been less well preserved. The remaining skeletons are reburied in Hans Tavsens Park.
It is planned that the excavation will continue until sometime next year, the archaeologist says.
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