Remains Dug From Japan Mass Grave Suggest Epidemic in 1800s

Archaeologists dug up remains of more than 1,500 people, many of them showing signs of death from epidemic, at the site of a 19th century mass grave during excavation ahead of a city development project near a main train station in Osaka, western Japan. Osaka City Cultural Properties Association via AP

TOKYO — Archaeologists have dug up the remains of more than 1,500 people, many of them believed to have died in an epidemic, who were buried in a 19th century mass grave that is being excavated for a city development project in Osaka in western Japan.

Officials at the Osaka City Cultural Properties Association studying the remains said Wednesday that they believe they are of young people who died in the late 1800s.