Medieval Knight’s Skeleton Found Under Ice Cream Shop

What began as a routine excavation under an ice cream shop in Gdańsk has turned into one of Poland’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries in recent years.

Beneath the shop floor, archaeologists have uncovered a medieval knight’s complete skeleton, resting under a centuries-old tombstone.

An “Exceptional” Discovery

The find was announced by Polish archaeology firm ArcheoScan, whose team has been working at the site in Gdańsk’s historic city center since 2023.

The discovery is being hailed as “exceptional” by experts as it offers a rare glimpse into Poland’s medieval past.

A Hidden Grave in the Heart of Gdańsk

The dig site is located in the Śródmieście (city center) district, which sits atop what was once a medieval cemetery connected to Gdańsk’s oldest known church.

As excavators dug beneath the former ice cream parlor, they came across an intricately carved tombstone that hinted at something extraordinary buried below.

The tombstone, made from Gotland limestone, is decorated with a full relief of a knight in chainmail, sword raised, and shield in hand — a design rarely seen in medieval sepulchral art.

An Unusually Detailed Tombstone

“This is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Poland in recent years,” said Sylwia Kurzyńska, director of ArcheoScan, to CNN.

“The knight’s image is carved in remarkable detail, which was highly uncommon for gravestones of that period.”

Unlike the typical flat slabs with simple inscriptions or coats of arms, this knight’s tombstone stands out for its elaborate depiction. The posture — upright with a sword raised — is believed to symbolize the knight’s authority and elevated social rank.

Lifting the Stone Reveals a Well-Preserved Skeleton

When the tombstone was carefully lifted in July, it revealed the skeleton of an adult male, arranged naturally beneath the slab.

Measuring 170-180 centimeters (5’7” to 5’11”), he would have been significantly taller than the average medieval European.

Despite centuries underground, the bones are in excellent condition.

The absence of grave goods has not deterred archaeologists from concluding that the man was likely a knight or military commander of considerable importance.

A Burial Site for Gdańsk’s Military Elite

The grave is part of a cemetery containing nearly 300 burials, attached to a wooden church built from oak felled in 1140.

This site was a place of power and faith, a space where Gdańsk’s military elite were laid to rest.

Kurzyńska emphasized the importance of the discovery: “This offers a rare and valuable look into the lives and funerary traditions of Gdańsk’s elite warriors during the 13th and 14th centuries.”

Digital Scanning and Genetic Analysis Ahead

With the initial excavation complete, work now turns to detailed analysis.

The tombstone will undergo 3D scanning to digitally reconstruct missing fragments, while the skeleton will be studied to uncover details about the knight’s life, health, and origins.

Anthropologists will analyze the bones for signs of injuries, diseases, and even possible causes of death.

Additionally, genetic testing will seek to establish the knight’s ancestry, while forensic experts plan a facial reconstruction based on the well-preserved skull.

A Symbol of Gdańsk’s Cross-Baltic Ties

The limestone used for the tombstone, sourced from Gotland, highlights the city’s medieval trade connections across the Baltic Sea.

The artwork and burial context suggest this knight held not just local, but potentially regional significance.

“This find connects Gdańsk to broader medieval European traditions and illustrates the city’s importance as a cultural and military hub,” Kurzyńska explained.