Bones of possible early colonists have been found in Saint Augustine, Florida, United States of America, at the site that may have been the first documented parish church in North America.

The excavations are being conducted inside the Fiesta Mall, a two-story building in downtown St. Augustine. The skeletons were found as the excavations started below the floor, which was damaged by hurricane Matthew. Archaeologists found two skeletons buried in a Christian style, with skulls facing east and arms crossed on the chest. Both individuals are believed to be the earliest colonists in St. Augustine.

The discovery is said to date to between 1572-1586 AD. These are also the first actual physical remnants of a 16th century church. According to archaeologists the building was also the first documented parish church in the present area of United States. The experts plan to conduct further analysis on the bones, which might reveal the diet, ethnicity and gender of the individuals.

(after First Coast News & Jessica Clark)