Multi-layered ancient cemetery discovered during construction of Järva-Jaani shopping centre

Rescue excavations were conducted in the construction area adjacent to a cemetery in Järva-Jaani, which revealed an unexpected discovery: a multi-layered ancient cemetery with human remains. In addition, an Early Iron Age settlement, previously unknown to researchers, was uncovered. Construction work destroyed the skeletal remains of at least fifty people.

In Järva-Jaani, archaeological rescue excavations that had been ongoing for about a month at the shopping centre construction site adjacent to a cemetery uncovered an unexpected find: in an area outside the cemetery wall lies a multi-layered ancient cemetery with traces of cremation.

Fire and bones: an unexpected discovery

Osteoarchaeologist Martin Malve explained to Aktuaalne kaamera that because construction work took place during winter, human bones initially went unnoticed. When excavations reached deeper levels, it became clear that the entire area was multi-layered and filled with burials from different periods.

"It appears that a cremation burial site was uncovered. In the graves of people buried in the eighteenth century, there were numerous burnt bones," explained Martin Malve.

Beyond the cemetery finds, a completely unexpected discovery came to light: an Early Iron Age settlement. "In one section of this cemetery, an Early Iron Age settlement has been preserved, with dating spanning approximately from 1500 BCE to 50 CE. This too consists of multiple cultural layers," added Malve.

Dozens of skeletons destroyed

Most troubling, however, is that during construction work, a large amount of soil was removed from the site, taking with it archaeologically valuable material. According to Malve, the skeletal remains of at least fifty people have been lost.

"Unfortunately, the remains of dozens of deceased people were destroyed during construction work. Currently, we can see that at least more than fifty skeletons have been damaged," he acknowledged.

Malve added that in Estonia, cemeteries began to be enclosed with stone walls only in the nineteenth century, which is why some graves remained outside the current fence, and it was precisely in this area that the shopping centre was built.

Heritage Protection Board: no rules violated

Krista Karro, adviser on nature reserves and archaeology at the Heritage Protection Board, explained that the construction project was approved based on available information at the time. A preliminary survey had found no bones outside the cemetery wall, so the project was approved on the condition that builders carefully monitor the work and report any finds.

"We approved the project because, according to our records, there were no burials outside the wall. Bones were not noticed initially-this is understandable, as ordinary people may not spot them," said Krista Karro, emphasizing that no direct rule violation had occurred.

After the rescue excavations are completed, the builder will separate the cemetery area from the shopping centre territory with a concrete barrier to ensure the protection of remaining burials.