During restoration efforts at a monastery in northeastern Spain, the intact bodies of eight medieval nobles were unexpectedly discovered. The Royal Monastery of Santes Creus in Tarragona, part of Catalonia, revealed this remarkable find during restoration work on the Gothic cloister, with the Department of Culture and the "La Caixa" banking foundation announcing the discovery.
This unexpected finding unveiled an extraordinary funerary complex within the Gothic cloister's north gallery. The intact skeletons were found within sarcophagi belonging to Catalan nobility from the 13th and 14th centuries. Despite initial suspicions of looting, the sarcophagi were found to be sealed, indicating that the bodies remained undisturbed since their interment.
The sarcophagi, adorned with decorative elements indicative of noble families, displayed remarkable uniformity in style. The well-preserved condition of the medieval burials, including skeletal remains and textile fragments surrounding them, offered a rare glimpse into the lives and burial customs of the medieval Catalan nobility.
Samples extracted from the textiles, tissues, and bones will undergo analysis to provide further insights into the identities, living conditions, diet, and health of the buried individuals. Additionally, ongoing historical research aims to uncover more details about the medieval nobles and their cultural practices.
This discovery is deemed exceptional due to the social status of the individuals and the remarkable preservation of both the human remains and accompanying artifacts. It promises to significantly enhance our understanding of medieval burial practices and the lives of the Catalan nobility during this period.
