Hidden Crowns of Polish and Lithuanian Monarchs Found in Cathedral Crypt

In December 2024, an extraordinary discovery emerged from the crypts beneath Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania. A walled-up cache concealed since 1939 was reopened, revealing long-lost royal insignia, including three crowns. Originally unearthed in 1931, these treasures once adorned the remains of Polish and Lithuanian monarchs. In this video, I delve into the remarkable history of their initial discovery and rediscovery—along with the stories of the rulers for whom they were created and the people who brought these artifacts back into the light.

Footage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcTi_6FCtW0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kioBa032D4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRv9cCtWhWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IASGs8R0wE&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-T-Xv9if1A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZleIRs7wRk&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w40d7lGBBN4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXt8rU97NMQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JGRtyBE4yU&t=192s

Sources:
https://www.vz.lt/laisvalaikis/2025/01/06/pristatytos-vilniaus-katedros-pozemiuose-aptiktos-lietuvos-valdovu-laidojimo-insignijos
https://sc.bns.lt/view/item/vilniaus-arkikatedros-pozemiuose-rasta-slaptaviete-su-lietuvos-ir-lenkijos-valdovu-laidojimo-insignijomis-499131
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/royal-discoveries-in-vilnius-cathedral-marred-by-controversy/
https://wielkahistoria.pl/odkrycie-grobow-krolewskich-w-wilnie-to-byla-archeologiczna-sensacja-stulecia/