Divers and archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a medieval soldier deep in Lithuania's Lake Asveja. This unexpected discovery gave researchers a rare insight into the lives of individuals living in the Middle Ages.
This points to potential links to a castle of unique importance in the region in medieval times, thanks to the exceptionally well-preserved personal items found with the medieval soldier.
Surprisingly, the team also came across the remains of the original pylons of what became known as the Old Dubingiai bridge. These were found near a bridge that is still in use today.
The medieval soldier was unearthed during archaeological discoveries at Lake Asveja in 2020. Found “under a layer of mud and sand at a depth of nine metres”, the discovery is spectacular even by any standard, according to archaeologist Elena Pranckenaite from LRT English.
A floating water pump was used to carefully remove silt and sediment from human remains. Pranckenaite told LRT English that “this underwater find, which is not a burial, is unique and the first of its kind in Lithuania.”
According to initial research conducted by anthropologists, it was stated that the discovery belonged to a young man. Based on the artifacts surrounding the human remains, they concluded that the young man was a medieval soldier.
In addition to the remains of the medieval soldier, archaeologists have also unearthed artifacts indicating his profession. Several leather objects were found, including a sword, two knives and straps. It was also determined that he died while wearing sturdy leather boots.
