Archaeologists in Gdańsk, Poland, have uncovered the well-preserved skeleton of a medieval knight beneath the site of a former ice cream parlor. The discovery was made during ongoing excavations in the city's historic Śródmieście district, which began in 2023. The site, once home to the Miś ice cream parlor, has yielded several significant archaeological finds, including the remains of cottages dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries and an ancient city street.
In July 2025, researchers from the ArcheoScan Archaeological and Conservation Workshop discovered a limestone tombstone engraved with the image of a knight in chainmail, holding a sword and shield. Upon lifting the tombstone, they found the complete skeleton of an adult male beneath it. Preliminary analysis suggests the individual lived during the 13th or 14th century. The skeleton is remarkably well-preserved, with the skull and bones in good condition, though the skull appears to be in worse shape than the other bones.
Experts plan further analysis, including 3D scanning of the stone slab, genetic testing of the skeleton, and possibly a facial reconstruction based on the skull. The tombstone is currently being cleaned and digitally scanned for reconstruction, while the skeleton will undergo anthropological and genetic tests to provide more information about the knight's life. This discovery is considered one of the most important archaeological finds in Poland in recent years, offering valuable insights into the medieval period.