A Statsbygg (Directorate of Public Construction and Property) project to improve drainage around old Olavskirken (Olav's Church) led to a shallow ditch being dug along one wall. This was enough to unearth 44 skeletons.
Archeologists have long believed that the skeletons in this area belonged to a Dominican monastery located here from 1240 until the Reformation in 1537. The discovery of skeletons from women and young children mingled with the monk's remains came as a surprise, and it is not believed the celibate monks could somehow have had families.
"This can be the result of a mix of the churchyard and the Hallvard Cathedral's burial place, which is adjacent. Also, women may have rented a place to live here," said project leader Petter Molaug.
In the 1200s the city had about 3,000 inhabitants, and now their remains are being found, lying in neat rows all facing east - in order to be facing the right way when Jesus returned on Judgment Day.
Before the Reformation the most blessed resting spots were awarded hierarchically and could be bought. The best plots lay under the holy water that drained off the church roof and dripped onto the ground below.
The skeletons also bear witness to medieval times as an age of violence. Many of the bones reveal notches that must have resulted from brutal force. Now the remains will be studied for further clues to how they lived - diet, age span, diseases and dental health.
Archeologists believe that the old graveyard at Olavskirken may conceal 500 skeletons.
