A thirteenth century granite tombstone carved with a aid of a Latin cross has been found in Gdańsk, Poland. It’s considered one of seven tombstones, together with two others additionally carved with Latin crosses, discovered within the excavation of the positioning of the previous Miś (Teddy Bear) ice cream parlor. The stone has not been lifted but, however presumably it marks the spot of a grave containing human stays
The ice cream parlor excavation final 12 months unearthed the stays of the oldest church in Gdańsk, a wood church in-built round 1140. About 200 graves have been discovered surrounding the church. A slab carved with the silhouette of a knight was one of many tombstones discovered final 12 months.
This place is totally distinctive. It was right here final summer season that the grave of somebody of observe was found—maybe a member of the princely elite. That is evidenced by a limestone tombstone depicting a knight in chainmail, with a sword and protect—crafted from imported Gotland limestone. Beneath the tombstone lay the entire skeleton of a tall man for the time, seemingly somebody of appreciable significance.
Giant granite slabs with Latin crosses are sometimes related to the burials of Teutonic Knights. Two comparable items discovered years in the past at Gdańsk Citadel and now within the assortment of the Malbork Citadel Museum are certainly Teutonic tombstones. The ice cream parlor tombstones are earlier, nonetheless. The Teutonic Knights took over Gdańsk in 1308, whereas the cross-engraved slabs discovered within the current excavation date to the thirteenth century when Gdańsk was dominated by the dukes of Pomerania.
