Aiexpress – During restoration works at a monastery in northeastern Spain, archaeologists have uncovered the well-preserved remains of eight medieval nobles.
The Department of Culture in Catalonia and the “La Caixa” banking foundation have announced an “exceptional discovery” made by a team of researchers at the Gothic cloister of the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus in Tarragona.
During the restoration works in the municipality of Aiguamúrcia, a Gothic cloister, an unexpected discovery of intact royal burials has been made. This revelation has revealed a unique and extraordinary funerary complex, as stated in the press release.
The research team, consisting of archaeologists, anthropologists, restorers, and other specialists, made a significant discovery. They found the complete skeletons inside the sarcophagi located in the north gallery of the cloister. These sarcophagi are believed to belong to members of the Catalan nobility from the 13th and 14th centuries who were laid to rest in this area.
Experts had suspected that the tombs had already been looted before they were opened, based on the available documentation.
During the restoration effort last October, the sarcophagi were being dismantled when the discoveries were made. These sarcophagi have a consistent style and are adorned with decorations that signify the noble families they once belonged to.
The researchers discovered that the numerous medieval burials were in excellent condition. In fact, it appears that the sarcophagi have not been opened since the bodies were last deposited inside them. Textile remains were found surrounding the skeletons.
The researchers were able to remove samples from the cloth, tissue, and bone remains, which will be analyzed to reveal crucial information about the eight buried individuals.
According to the researchers, the findings are “exceptional” considering the deceased people’s social class and the good state of conservation of both the human bones and the textiles.
In addition to the restoration effort, the research team has launched a study to ascertain, as accurately as possible, the prospective identities of the buried nobility. This research will also perhaps shed light on their living arrangements, diet, any health issues they encountered, and other aspects of their daily lives. Historical research is being conducted concurrently.
The combined study could provide insight into the medieval Catalan nobility’s burial habits and funerary ceremonies.
