Unearthing the shadows of history: Chemical traces of Second World War atrocities in the Szpęgawski Forest and Death Valley, Poland

Abstract

This article presents the results of analyses of the chemical composition of organic matter and the occurrence of characteristic geochemical and biochemical markers in 17 samples collected from the Second World War mass graves excavated in the Szpęgawski Forest and Death Valley, Poland. The results show that attempts to cover up mass crimes by burning the bodies of the victims have left their own traces—that each attempt to cover up the crime is associated with the creation of further evidence of the crimes committed.