Erfurt latrine disaster
In the heart of what was once labeled the Dark Ages, a tale unfolds in the Petersberg Citadel in modern-day Herford, Germany. Contrary to the perception of the era as lacking in scientific and cultural development, monasteries like Petersberg were hubs of activity, engaging in significant international trade, writing, and scientific exploration. This contradicts the notion of the Dark Ages as a period of stagnation, revealing a rich tapestry of endeavors, including an unfortunate incident in Herford.
The focal point of this narrative is St. Peter's Church, dating back to 1060 or possibly even earlier. After a fire in 1103, the church underwent reconstruction as a massive stone structure, housing congregations and events. Below its floors lay the typical features of the time – a latrine and a large septic tank. The stark contrast with modern plumbing becomes apparent, where waste disposal was a rudimentary process, often leading to unpleasant odors and hygiene challenges.
In the year 1184, the region, under the rule of King Heinrich VI, faced political turmoil with a severe land dispute between nobles and religious leaders. Seeking resolution, the king called for a formal meeting at St. Peter's Church, which could accommodate over a hundred individuals. The dispute's central figures, Conrad I and Ludwig III, along with associated nobles and mediators, gathered in the upper meeting room. However, tragedy struck as the floor collapsed, causing over a hundred men to plummet through the levels, ultimately landing in the septic tank filled with murky water and waste.
The catastrophic incident claimed the lives of many, with immediate deaths from the fall or drowning in the contaminated water. The death toll, potentially reaching 60 individuals, excluded those wounded and susceptible to fatal infections in an era devoid of antibiotics. Amidst the chaos, the dispute's resolution remains shrouded in mystery. Ludwig III survived, while Conrad I perished. The only stroke of fortune was King Heinrich's grasp of an iron railing, preventing him from joining the grim fate that befell the others in the pit below.