Secrets of Edo Japan Unearthed: Over 1,500 Ancient Bodies Discovered Beneath Osaka Streets
Those who were buried without personal items were also found buried together — with multiple bodies in each spot. Researchers have since posited that these people died during an epidemic or natural disaster, though there’s yet to be clarification on that front.
Researchers believe that the remains found in the northern section belonged to less wealthy individuals and are using them to study how average citizens were buried. Meanwhile, they discovered a trove of incredible artifacts to analyze among the more formally buried dead in the southern, and likely wealthier, section of the cemetery.
Osaka City Cultural Properties AssociationMany cremated remains were discovered within funeral urns, which were found among beads, coins, pipes, plates, and more.
Not only did excavations here yield the remains of a stone structure — but beads, gold coins, pipes, miniature plates and pots, dolls, and a Buddhist mortuary tablet were also found. According to Archaeology, the dead here were buried individually in square wooden coffins and tubs or cremated and held in urns.
Osaka City Cultural Properties AssociationResearchers found a Buddhist mortuary tablet among the artifacts.
What has been confirmed is that some of the dead had suffered from syphilis and bone tumors, with scientists continuing to research these preliminary assessments. Additionally, appropriate reburials and rituals performed by Buddhist monks are to be held once the analysis ends.
Ultimately, the archaeologists and developers involved all seem to be taking measures to satisfy the human and commercial interests involved. Hopefully, further historic clarification regarding the cause of death of those buried here takes precedence over all else.
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