The Mysterious 6 Feet Grave Depth: A Historical Perspective and Its Implications

In the 19th century, the standard depth for graves was established to avert grave-robbing and to ensure that the deceased could not be easily disinterred. This depth, roughly 6 feet, became a widely accepted standard based on practical and technical limitations. This article delves into the historical context and reasoning behind this practice, as well as the emotional and psychological implications for those who were buried under six feet of earth.

The Practice of Grave-Robbing in the 19th Century

The prevalence of grave-robbing to supply the anatomy labs of Europe is a troubling chapter in history. During the 1800s, anatomists and medical professionals desperately needed cadavers. However, autopsies and dissections were illegal, leading to the illicit practice of tomb raiding. To prevent their graves from being desecrated, the wealthy constructed elaborate mausoleums, the middle class could afford iron grates to cover their graves, and the lower class relied on the local gravediggers to secure the grave.

The depth of the grave was determined by the strength and limits of human labor. A person with a shovel can safely dig and exit a grave of approximately 6 feet depth in a single day. This practical constraint meant that the standard depth became 6 feet, ensuring the safety and security of the dead.

The Lethal Six Feet and Its Origins

Back in the 19th century, before the widespread adoption of embalming, there were cases of people seemingly dead who, upon being buried, revived in their caskets. They struggled to emerge, often screaming and clawing their way out. However, by the time rescuers arrived, the individuals had either suffocated or died from the terror of being buried alive.

The Experimental Depth for a Safe Burial

Experimental evidence showed that six feet of packed soil was sufficient to muffle any screams from inside the casket. This depth became standard to prevent the emotional and psychological trauma of discovering a living person buried. The six-foot depth provided a margin of safety, ensuring that no one would hear the screams of a person buried alive.

The Consequences of Being Buried Under Six Feet

If you ever find yourself inside a coffin or casket, with a lid that you cannot lift, you can assume that you have been buried alive. Given the limited oxygen supply (less than 90 minutes), you will likely be unconscious from anoxia before the oxygen is completely depleted.

You will know that there is no chance of recovery or escape within the hour. The realization that you will be dead soon, coupled with the likelihood of unconsciousness from lack of oxygen, provides a grim illustration of the consequences of being buried under six feet of earth.

Conclusion

The 6 feet depth of a grave is not merely a historical curiosity but a product of practical and humanitarian concerns. It ensures the security of the deceased and the peace of mind of the living. While this practice may seem strange or even cruel, it reflects the complex and often unspoken fears that shaped medical and social norms in the 19th century. Understanding this history can provide a deeper appreciation for the rituals and customs that govern death and burial.