The Evolution of Mass Murder: Forensic Archaeological Perspectives on Mass Violence at the Treblinka Labor and Extermination Camps

Activity: Talk or presentation typesInvited talk

Description

Professor Sturdy Colls delivered the Annual Holocaust Lecture at Washington University in St. Louis.

Drawing upon recent historical and archaeological research, in this lecture, Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls discussed the evolution of mass violence and murder at Treblinka before, during and after Operation Reinhard. She considered how geography and (deceptive) narratives surrounding the labor camp were used to facilitate mass killings between 1941 and 1944, and explored the relationships that existed between the camps and killing sites that existed within the space. As well as considering the actions of the perpetrators and experiences of the victims, Prof Sturdy Colls discussed the material traces of extermination such as newly discovered mass graves and punishment sites. Ultimately, she demonstrated that the systematic murder of Jews at Treblinka, and their burial within the campscape, began long before the notorious extermination camp was constructed.
Period12 Nov 2024
Held atWashington University in St. Louis, United States, Missouri
Degree of RecognitionInternational