Archaeological Discovery Confirms First Public Cemetery in Latin America in Salvador

Preliminary excavations in May 2025 confirmed the existence of human remains at the former Cemitério dos Africanos in Campo da Pólvora, Salvador, Bahia. This cemetery, which operated from the 18th century until its deactivation in May 1844, is now identified as one of Latin America's largest public burial grounds, with historical estimates suggesting over 100,000 bodies were interred there. The discovery was led by researcher Silvana Olivieri, who located the site beneath the parking lot of the Pupileira Complex, a property of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia in the Nazaré neighborhood. The research, coordinated by archaeologist and anthropologist Jeanne Dias and financed by the company Arqueólogos, took place from May 13 to 23, 2025. Human bone fragments were found at a depth of three meters. The site has been registered with IPHAN's National Registry of Archaeological Sites as "Cemitério dos Africanos," granting it protected status. The discovery challenges previous historical accounts, including those by historian João José Reis, who suggested remains had been transferred. The Santa Casa, which historically managed the cemetery and held a funeral monopoly, is now responsible for its preservation. The Public Ministry of Bahia will hold a public hearing with Salvador's Black communities to discuss next steps, including the potential creation of a memorial museum.