Non-invasive archaeological research has been conducted at the site under the direction of mgr Anna Olczyk from the University of Lodz Doctoral School of Humanities since autumn 2025. The work forms part of the project “Materialne ślady obecności osadników olęderskich na obszarze współczesnej Łodzi i okolic z perspektywy archeologii” [Material traces of the presence of Olęder settlers in the area of contemporary Łódź and its surroundings from the perspective of archaeology], carried out under the academic supervision of dr hab. Anna Zalewska, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz.
The researchers’ aim is not only to document the preserved remains. In this case, archaeology is intended to help re-identify the necropolis, determine its boundaries, assess the scale of destruction and, in the longer term, restore due protection and remembrance to the site.
Cemetery of the Residents of Former Antoniew
The history of the necropolis is linked to the settlement of Antoniew, founded in 1798. It was an Olęder settlement, later divided into Antoniew Stoki and Antoniew Sikawa. Many of its inhabitants belonged to the Evangelical-Augsburg Church.
The cemetery was most likely established at the beginning of the 19th century. One of the earliest known references to its existence appears on the Topograficzna Karta Królestwa Polskiego [Topographic Map of the Kingdom of Poland] published in 1843. The necropolis remained in use until the mid-20th century. Archival documents indicate that the last burial took place in 1953 and the cemetery was formally closed five years later.
The Number of Burials Is Still Unknown
At this stage of the research, we are not able to determine the number of graves located at the cemetery. We must take into account that the necropolis was in use for around 150 years
– explains mgr Anna Olczyk.
More is known about the cemetery’s area. In 1879, it covered 182 square rods, or approximately 0.33 hectares. However, analysis of aerial photographs from the Second World War and post-war documentation shows that the site was later expanded to around 0.81 hectares.
It was therefore one of the larger Evangelical cemeteries in the vicinity of Łódź. For comparison, the necropolis in Janów covered 0.56 hectares, in Grabieniec 0.38 hectares, in Dąbrowa 0.50 hectares, and in Żabieniec 0.88 hectares.
Archaeology Without Excavation
Archaeological research is often associated with digging, shovels and uncovering successive layers of soil. In Zbójnicki Park, however, a different strategy was adopted.
Archaeologists do not always choose excavation methods, leaving the archaeological substance undisturbed for future researchers and more advanced techniques. In this case, we have decided to carry out non-invasive research
– says the researcher.
The first stage involved archival research. The team gathered historical maps, documents and aerial photographs, and then compared them with contemporary visualisations of the area. An important source of information proved to be laser scanning carried out by drone. LiDAR technology makes it possible to create an extremely precise model of the ground surface. It allows researchers to detect slight depressions, elevations and other terrain features that remain invisible to the naked eye in forests or parks, especially when covered by dense vegetation.
The resulting model helped establish the boundaries of the cemetery and identify areas requiring more detailed investigation. The next step involved surface surveys: systematic observation of the terrain, documentation of visible remains, and precise recording of their location using satellite positioning devices.
Three Sites, Three Research Challenges
At the turn of May and June 2026, work focused on three points within the necropolis, each presenting different research questions.
The first was the north-western part of the cemetery, where local youth had created an amateur obstacle course. The embankments and excavations made for this purpose altered the terrain, creating a risk of disturbing historical soil layers and even burial pits.
Archaeologists documented the exposed layers and assessed whether contemporary activity had damaged the burials. The soil was cleaned with great care, without extending the scope of intervention beyond already disturbed areas.
The second site was one of the two preserved graves. During earlier surveys, signs of significant degradation had been observed there, raising suspicions that human remains might have reached the surface.
This observation was not confirmed by analysis conducted in cooperation with a physical anthropologist. However, a layer of contemporary waste was discovered within the grave border fill. This constitutes material evidence of the cemetery’s later history, when, after its closure, it was treated as ownerless land for decades.
Gravestones Retrieved from a Well
The most poignant discovery was made in a cemetery well. Fragments of stone plaques bearing inscriptions were found there. They were carefully extracted, preserved and documented. The fragments were linked to two tombstones belonging to a married couple: Christian Ei and Ernestine Ei, née Bucholtz. The couple were married in 1886 in the Evangelical-Augsburg parish in Nowosolna.
The identification was possible through the comparison of inscriptions with archival information. This demonstrates that cemetery archaeology is not limited to the study of objects. It combines the analysis of material remains with genealogy, local history, cartography and parish records. Even a small fragment of stone can become a starting point for reconstructing the lives of specific individuals.
The plaques of Christian and Ernestine are currently the only known artefacts with legible inscriptions from the cemetery on Zbójnicka Street. In agreement with the Urban Greenery Authority, it was decided that they would remain on site. They are to form a small lapidarium – a place where preserved fragments of gravestones will commemorate the former residents of Antoniew.
Research in a Public Space
Work at a forgotten cemetery located within a publicly accessible park differs from research conducted at enclosed archaeological sites. The area is visited by walkers, children and young people. It cannot be left overnight in a condition that could lead to damage of the remains or pose a threat to passers-by.
The risk of damage occurring outside our working hours was the greatest challenge accompanying the work. Unfortunately, warning tapes often attract attention and arouse curiosity
– the researcher admits.
The team therefore planned the work so that each stage begun would be completed on the same day. Vegetation also posed difficulties. Trees, shrubs and tall grasses limit the visibility of small terrain features and make documentation more challenging. For this reason, surface surveys are best conducted in spring or autumn, when vegetation is less dense. Fieldwork must be adapted not only to research questions, but also to the season, weather conditions, site accessibility and conservation procedures in force.
From Documentation to Protection
The research in Zbójnicki Park has not ended when archaeologists left the field. The identification, documentation and analysis of the discovered objects continue. An anthropologist will also examine individual bone remains previously found on the surface of the cemetery. The compiled documentation will be submitted to the Provincial Office for the Protection of Monuments. It will include the Archaeological Monument Record Card. This is intended to enable the necropolis to regain conservation protection. Until August 2025, the cemetery had been included in the regional register of monuments. Researchers are also considering educational activities. Their importance is particularly evident in a place that, for decades, functioned as an illegal dumping ground and has recently been partially transformed through the construction of an amateur obstacle course.
We will undoubtedly strive to implement educational activities that will help raise public awareness about the past of this place
– announces Anna Olczyk.
Non-governmental organisations and community activists dealing with forgotten heritage and regional history are to be involved in the planned initiatives. Cooperation with the Urban Greenery Authority also offers hope for the permanent marking of the necropolis, for example by means of information boards.
Source: mgr Anna Olczyk
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications
