About 800 years ago, two women were buried together in a hug at a church in Poland. New DNA tests on these skeletons show they were not related. This is the first confirmed same-sex double burial found in medieval Poland, leading many to wonder about their bond.
Agata Cieślik, a biological anthropologist at the Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute, noted that this unique burial raises important questions about the relationship of the two women. “The context of such an unusual burial prompts us to explore their connection,” she said.
The skeletons were found at the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Opole, Poland, during excavations between 2022 and 2025. One woman was buried in a traditional Christian position, while the other lay on her side, cradling the first woman’s head. This suggests they were buried at the same time.
Normally, double burials are thought to be for married couples. However, the research team used DNA analysis to clarify the situation. They extracted DNA from the bones and pieced together fragments of their genetic code, like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Joanna Romeyer-Dherbey, a postdoctoral researcher, described the process as challenging but essential for understanding their story.
The results confirmed both skeletons were female and not closely related. This finding, highlighted in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, marks a significant moment in understanding historical same-sex relationships. The reason for their intertwined burial remains an open question.
In medieval times, burials could reflect various social connections. Cieślik pointed out that relationships were often based on shared lives rather than mere blood ties. These “fictive kinships” could be as strong as family bonds, influencing burial customs.
Interestingly, the women’s gravesite was situated critically within the cathedral walls, usually reserved for important figures. This suggests they were respected members of society. In contrast, individuals suspected of wrongdoings were often buried alone and in unholy grounds.
Medieval legal texts condemned same-sex relationships harshly, sometimes with lethal punishments. Thus, if these women had been viewed as lovers, they would likely not have received such a prominent burial. Their resting place hints at a deeper acceptance of their bond than was common for the time.
Future archaeological studies may explore other medieval graves to see if similar same-sex burials were widespread or rare. The Opole site has also revealed various artifacts, such as coins and jewelry, that are still being examined. Each find adds a piece to the puzzle of life in medieval Poland.
As research continues, the story of these hugging skeletons serves as a reminder that love and relationships have always existed in diverse forms, even in centuries past.
For more information on the significant findings around this burial, you can explore the detailed study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science Reports.
