Medieval tomb unearthed in Venice's St. Mark's Square during excavation works

The conservation work currently being done on the trachyte surface at St. Mark's Square became necessary because of the damage caused by flooding. According to archaeologists, the ongoing renovations have helped uncover another slice of the city's medieval history.

The archaeological find occurred in St. Mark's Square, nestled close to the twelfth-century building of the Old Procurators (Procuratie Vecchie). Archaeologists pointed out that there was originally an even older church in this location, which was subsequently demolished.

- It's not easy to picture St. Mark's Square as it once was, with canals crisscrossing through its heart and churches sprinkled around its perimeter - noted the Venice Monuments supervision office.

Initial investigation of the unearthed, bricked tomb suggests that it contains the remains of the elite members of that era. The team also found the remains of a child. The archaeologists have started their detailed examination, and they intend to use advanced analytical techniques to determine the age, gender, and even possible diseases these individuals may have suffered from.

Experts believe there might be more discoveries in the offing, as the ongoing conservation work will involve the removal of the entire square surface.

Source: PAP/archaeoreporter.com