In Gdańsk, Poland, archaeologists from the ArcheoScan workshop have unearthed a unique 13th-century tombstone with a relief depicting a knight. The discovery was made in the historical city center, at the Śródmieście I archaeological site, between Czopowa, Sukiennicza, and Grodzka streets, where a 12th-century wooden church and the Teutonic Order castle once stood.
The tombstone is approximately 150 cm long and is made of Gotland limestone. It depicts a knight in chainmail armor, with a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left. Chainmail boots and greaves are also visible, and the figure itself is framed by Gothic arcades – an architectural element characteristic of the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
According to archaeologists, the quality of the image and materials indicates a high status for the buried person. "Judging by the pose, sword, and chainmail, we are not dealing with a simple warrior – probably a commander or a representative of the local nobility," commented Sylwia Kurzyńska, head of the excavations. The knight's name has not yet been established.
Due to the fragility of the limestone, the slab was immediately extracted and transported to the Archaeological Museum of Gdańsk for conservation and further analysis. Scientists hope that burial remains beneath the tombstone, which they will be able to investigate soon.
Since 2023, over 250 burials, six tombstones, and the foundation of an ancient church have been found at this site. This new discovery not only enriches our knowledge of Gdańsk's medieval history but also underscores its significance as an important center of power and culture during the Teutonic Order era.