Plague Pits

Plague pits are mass graves used to bury large numbers of people who died from infectious diseases, particularly during epidemics like the Black Death in the 14th century. When outbreaks overwhelmed local burial practices, these pits provided a quick and efficient method to dispose of the dead, minimizing the risk of spreading disease further. Often located outside cities, plague pits were hastily dug and filled with bodies, sometimes without coffins, reflecting the urgency and tragedy of the situation. Today, some sites have been excavated, revealing insights into the historical impact of pandemics on societies.