13th c. cross-engraved tombstone found in Gdansk

A 13th-century granite tombstone carved with a Latin cross was discovered in Gdansk, Poland, among seven tombstones found at the former Mis (Teddy Bear) ice cream parlor excavation site. The stone has not been lifted yet, but it likely marks a grave containing human remains. The excavation previously uncovered the oldest church in Gdansk, a wooden church built around 1140, with about 200 surrounding graves. Earlier finds included a tombstone with a knight silhouette and a limestone tombstone depicting a knight in chainmail with a sword and shield made from imported Gotland limestone. The cross-engraved granite slabs resemble Teutonic Knights tombstones, but the dates place them in the 13th century under the dukes of Pomerania, before the Teutonic Knights took over in 1308.

"A 13th-century granite tombstone carved with a relief of a Latin cross has been discovered in Gdansk, Poland. It is one of seven tombstones, including two others also carved with Latin crosses, found in the excavation of the site of the former Mis (Teddy Bear) ice cream parlor. The stone has not been lifted yet, but presumably it marks the spot of a grave containing human remains."

"The ice cream parlor excavation last year unearthed the remains of the oldest church in Gdansk, a wooden church built in around 1140. About 200 graves were found surrounding the church. A slab carved with the silhouette of a knight was one of the tombstones found last year. This place is absolutely unique. It was here last summer that the grave of someone of note was discoveredperhaps a member of the princely elite."

"This is evidenced by a limestone tombstone depicting a knight in chainmail, with a sword and shieldcrafted from imported Gotland limestone. Beneath the tombstone lay the complete skeleton of a tall man for the time, likely someone of considerable importance. Large granite slabs with Latin crosses are often associated with the burials of Teutonic Knights. Two similar pieces found years ago at Gdansk Castle and now in the collection of the Malbork Castle Museum are indeed Teutonic tombstones."

"The ice cream parlor tombstones are earlier, however. The Teutonic Knights took over Gdansk in 1308, whereas the cross-engraved slabs found in the recent excavation date to the 13th century when Gdansk was ruled by the dukes of Pomerania."

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