Ancient Tomb

Ancient Tomb

Credit: Headland Archaeology

In March 2013, University of Edinburgh archaeologists on hand at a construction site in Edinburgh, Scotland unearthed what may be a medieval knight's burial site.

Headstone

Headstone

Credit: Headland Archaeology/ Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation

The skeleton was found with a slab engraved with images of a calvary and sword, symbols typically associated with nobility. The markings suggested the grave belonged to a medieval knight.

Excavations continuing

Excavations continuing

Credit: Headland Archaeology

As the excavations continued, archaeologists found seven other complete skeletons and one partial skeleton behind a wall.

Family crypt

Family crypt

Credit: Headland Archaeology

The discovery may be a family burial crypt for the knight's relatives.

Several people

Several people

Credit: Headland Archaeology

It's possible the team will unearth even more skeletons as excavations continue.

Woman and infant

Woman and infant

Credit: Headland Archaeology

Among the finds were an adult female and an infant skeleton.

Historic site

Historic site

Credit: Headland Archaeology

Though the site is now a parking lot, archaeologists expected to find historic artifacts: the site was once a 13th century Blackfriars monastery, then a series of high-schools in the 16th and 17th century.

Parking lots

Parking lots

Credit: Headland Archaeology

Parking lots are rich troves for archaeologistsl: a medieval church was found buried beneath one, and researchers found the remains of King Richard III underneath another.