Excavation for Skeletons at Waterloo Battlefield

A team of archaeologists is set to conduct a targeted excavation at Mont-Saint-Jean farm in Belgium, a site linked to the historic Battle of Waterloo. This follows a significant discovery in 2022, where a complete human skeleton and the remains of euthanised horses were unearthed at a former field hospital. This rare find marked only the second complete human skeleton found on the Belgian battlefield, alongside amputated limbs and the skeletons of three horses, prompting further investigation into the burial practices of the time. The upcoming excavation, scheduled for September 3 to 13, aims to uncover the full extent of the burial pit and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deceased. Historical records indicate that many skeletons from the battlefield were repurposed for fertilizer and sugar production, making the findings at Mont-Saint-Jean particularly significant. Archaeologists have described the site as “highly unusual and historically significant,” with Prof. Tony Pollard from the University of Glasgow highlighting its uniqueness due to the variety of remains found in one trench. The excavation will involve an international team, including military veterans, serving personnel, and volunteers, all working together to enhance understanding of the battle's events. Previous excavations have revealed insights into unrecorded attacks and the French forces' strategies during the conflict. Abigail Boyle, CEO of Waterloo Uncovered, emphasized the dual purpose of the project: supporting veterans in their recovery while providing them with valuable archaeological skills that could lead to future educational and employment opportunities.