A cross found in the underfloor layer inside the barrack. Pic. S. Foks
The contribution of archaeological research in deciphering the history of barracks 7 and 8
Archaeological finds, objects and material remains of the period are of great importance in interpreting the reality of the concentration and extermination camp, where Nazi Germans strived to dehumanize and objectify human beings. The archaeological research conducted by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, along with the accompanying conservation and
construction works in the historic barracks 7 and 8, led to the unveiling and preservation of a significant number of immovable monuments and layers documenting the camp infrastructure in an untouched state. They also provided several items, expanding material for historical research on the daily realities of the camp’s prisoners. The diagnosis conducted will, to a large extent, allow us to secure the authentic, invisible landscape of the camp in the future.
The project of conservation of barracks 7 and 8 at the Birkenau site is financed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.