Royal Regalia Rediscovered in Vilnius Cathedral

A trove of royal burial regalia, hidden since the onset of World War II in 1939, has been discovered in Vilnius Cathedral, Lithuania. The treasures, including crowns, chains, medallions, and other artifacts, belonged to notable Polish and Lithuanian monarchs such as Alexander Jagiellon and the wives of Sigismund II Augustus. This remarkable find was initially uncovered in 1931 after a flood and subsequently concealed to protect it from wartime threats. The cache, unearthed by experts using endoscopic cameras, highlights Vilnius's historical significance as the necropolis for the elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The items were crafted posthumously for burial rituals, emphasizing the medieval European practice of honoring deceased royalty. The discovery underscores Lithuania's rich historical craftsmanship in goldsmithing and jewelry.