Berlin after 775 years: Archaeological excavations

Workers remove dirt and debris to expose the foundations, including a sealed structure whose content is so far unknown, of 17th century houses at the Grosser Juedenhof (which literally means Large Jewish Courtyard) archaeological excavation site on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany. Archaeologists hope the site, which was once a parking lot and is located in the city center, also contains remains of a synagogue and mikva dating back to the Middle Ages. Berlin is currently hosting a series of exhibitions and other events ahead of its 775th anniversary, which the city will mark with a celebration scheduled for the end of October.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer (R) draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Workers remove dirt and debris to expose the foundations, including a sealed structure whose content is so far unknown, of 17th century houses at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as Roter Rathaus city hall is visible behind on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer (R) draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer (LR) draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes and the bordacast tower at Alexanderplatz is visible behind on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer (L) draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

A worker removes dirt and debris to expose the foundations, including a sealed structure (R) whose content is so far unknown, of 17th century houses at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as Roter Rathaus city hall is visible behind on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as Nikolaikriche church is visible behind on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Workers remove dirt and debris to expose the foundations, including a sealed structure whose content is so far unknown, of 17th century houses at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as Roter Rathaus city hall is visible behind on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer (R) draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Workers remove dirt and debris to expose a sealed, 17th century structure whose content is so far unknown at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer pauses while drawing the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site as archaeologist Anja Grothe takes notes on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.

Archaeological draftsman Ralf Scherrer draws the layers of residue and earth at the Grosser Juedenhof archaeological excavation site on Aug. 29, 2012, in Berlin, Germany.