Archaeological finds, both immovable relics and movable monuments, in combination with other historical sources, allow us to fully determine the realities of the camp and also constitute testimonies to the events that took place here. The material sources also serve as a pretext to pose further research questions or verify information contained in written documents.
The primary objective of archaeology in such a place as the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau is to notice and secure as many authentic objects that are invisible today - silent testimonies of history. Archaeological research is conducted only during conservation and construction works. Their primary goal is to recognize and secure archaeological relics related to the functioning of the camp, which may be subject to deformation or destruction as a result of the works mentioned above
undertaken to secure ground structures.
Preserved architecture
The need to preserve the significant number of ground structures on the site of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau camp (blocks, barracks and buildings that serve other functions such as sanitary facilities, warehouses etc.) in their authentic form, as well as the desire to make them available to as many numbers of visitors as possible, has resulted in the implementation of conservation projects associated with construction works, which are usually accompanied by large-scale excavation works. One of the first large-scale projects implemented is the conservation of two residential brick barracks at the BIb section of the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp.