A cache of treasures belonging to renowned European rulers found in Vilnius Cathedral
Archaeologists have discovered a cache of valuables belonging to the rulers of Europe. The collection of lost treasures was found in the crypts of the Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius, located in the capital of Lithuania.
The cache of precious items sheds light on medieval royalty. The chamber of the Vilnius Cathedral housed the tombstones of prominent rulers of Lithuania and Poland, including Alexander Jagiellon, as well as Elizabeth of Habsburg, the first wife of Sigismund Augustus, and his second wife Barbara Radziwiłł, HeritageDaily reports.
Medieval crowns were found in a hidden niche in Vilnius Cathedral.
Source: Aistė Karpytė, Vilnius Archdiocese
According to the researchers, the treasure includes several funerary crowns, including the lost crown of Alexander Jagiellon, Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1492 and King of Poland from 1501.
The medallion, chain, ring, and tombstone of Elizabeth of Habsburg were also found. In a secret hiding place, archaeologists also discovered Barbara Radziwiłł's funeral crown, scepter, royal ball, three rings, and two coffin plaques, experts say.
A golden scepter from the cache of regalia found in the wall of Vilnius Cathedral.
Source: Aistė Karpytė, Vilnius Archdiocese
"The discovered grave insignia of Lithuanian and Polish rulers are priceless historical treasures, symbols of the long tradition of Lithuanian statehood, signs of Vilnius as the capital and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewellery," said Vilnius Metropolitan Archbishop Gintaras Gruszas.
A gold medallion is part of the funerary regalia of the medieval ruler of Lithuania-Poland.
Source: Aistė Karpytė, Vilnius Archdiocese
According to experts, the royal regalia were supposed to be part of the tombstones after the death of European rulers, which will now be restored and put on display.
Treasures of medieval rulers found in Vilnius.
Source: Aistė Karpytė, Vilnius Archdiocese
It is believed that the secret cache was created for safe keeping during World War II and the German–Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty, the transfer of Lithuania to Soviet control and the creation of the Lithuanian SSR, scholars say.
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