In an intriguing archaeological discovery, the remains of a medieval knight have been uncovered beneath a shuttered ice cream parlor located in Gdańsk, Poland. This find reveals a rich historical narrative, as experts from the Polish archaeology firm ArcheoScan have been meticulously excavating the site since early 2023. Their efforts first led to the unearthing of a medieval tombstone adorned with the intricately carved image of a knight. The excavation has provided new insights into the area’s past and the individuals who once inhabited it.
In July, the archaeologists delicately lifted the tombstone, revealing the complete skeleton of an adult male believed to have lived during the 13th or 14th century. Sylwia Kurzyńska, the archaeologist and director of ArcheoScan, indicated that this find is “of exceptional significance” and ranks among the most important archaeological discoveries in Poland in recent years. Such affirmations underscore the historical importance of the remains uncovered, both for Gdańsk and for broader medieval studies.
The tombstone itself is crafted from Gotland limestone, a material highly valued during the Middle Ages. The relief sculpted onto the stone features a knight clad in chainmail armor, complete with mail leggings, a sword, and a shield. Measuring approximately 150 centimeters (about 4 feet 11 inches) in length, this slab remains remarkably detailed despite partial damages incurred over the centuries. Kurzyńska noted that the piece is “remarkably well preserved, considering it was carved from soft limestone and lay underground for centuries.”
Iconography found on the tombstone is especially distinctive; it depicts the knight in an upright position with an uplifted sword, a pose likely symbolizing authority and elevated social standing. This depiction is unusual in late medieval sepulchral art, as most gravestones of that era typically featured inscribed epitaphs or heraldic panels rather than detailed representations of the deceased. Kurzyńska elaborated that only a small portion of such artworks contained likenesses of the individuals laid to rest, and these were typically simplistic engravings intended for church floor use.
The archaeological context surrounding the tombstone provides vital information regarding the burial itself. The remains of the knight indicate he stood between 170 and 180 centimeters tall (approximately 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches), significantly taller than the average male in medieval times. The arrangement of the bones and the condition of the burial suggest that this site marked the original grave of the individual. Preliminary examinations also indicate excellent preservation of the remains.
Given the lack of grave goods in the burial, Kurzyńska indicated that evidence points to the deceased being a person of significant social standing, likely a knight or a highly esteemed commander. The context of the burial is further enriched by the information that it is part of a cemetery previously accommodating almost 300 other burials, linked to the oldest known church in Gdańsk, constructed from oak felled in 1140.
This church was situated within an ancient stronghold that saw occupation from the late 11th century until the early 14th century. Kurzyńska emphasized that the site represents a locus of power, faith, and burial, holding both symbolic and strategic significance in Gdańsk’s history. The latest find offers invaluable insights into the lives and deaths of Gdańsk’s military elite during the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as shedding light on medieval funerary traditions and cross-Baltic cultural exchanges.
As work continues, experts are focused on further analysis of both the tombstone and the skeleton. The stone slab is undergoing cleaning and stabilization processes, preparing it for documentation and 3D scanning, which will aid in reconstructing any missing fragments digitally. Concurrently, the knight’s skeleton is set to undergo anthropological and genetic evaluations to extract additional information about his life, including a facial reconstruction based on the skull. Ultimately, this archaeological endeavor stands to expand our understanding of medieval history in Gdańsk and beyond.
