Discovery of a mass grave from the Spanish Civil War using Ground Penetrating Radar and forensic archaeology.
An estimated 500,000 people died from all causes during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939, with a further 135,000 killed after the war ended. There are currently over 2000 known mass burial locations throughout Spain but many more are unknown. This study details the successful search for an unmarked mass grave in mountainous terrain in the Asturias region of Northern Spain. Two approximate locations were known due to eyewitness accounts. A phased site investigation approach was undertaken, which included Ground Penetrating Radar. Results showed a clear geophysical anomaly on 2D GPR profiles. The identified area was subsequently intrusively investigated by forensic archaeologists and human remains were successfully discovered. Careful and sensitive investigations are essential in these approaches where living relatives are involved.
Hydro-Geophysics and NDT Modelling Unit, University of Oviedo, Mieres, 33600 Asturias, Spain. Electronic address: pauli@uniovi.es.
José-Paulino
JP
Fernández-Álvarez
Hydro-Geophysics and NDT Modelling Unit, University of Oviedo, Mieres, 33600 Asturias, Spain. Electronic address: david@hydrogeophysicsndt.com.
David
D
Rubio-Melendi
Monte Bernorio Institute for the Study of Antiquity of the Cantabric - IMBEAC, Spain. Electronic address: antxokagaldakao@hotmail.com.
Antxoka
A
Martínez-Velasco
School of Physical Sciences & Geography, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK. Electronic address: j.k.pringle@keele.ac.uk.
Jamie K
JK
Pringle
Geology Department, National University of San Luis, Argentina. Electronic address: davidaguiler@gmail.com.
Hector-David
HD
Aguilera
D001106:Archaeology; D002048:Burial; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000379:methods; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011825:Radar; D012984:Software; D013030:Spain; D014857:Warfare
Forensics; GPR; Geophysics; Mass graves; Spanish Civil War