This is a great relief for the city of Dublin. Several coffins in St Michan’s Church, Dublin, were vandalized at the end of February, causing the disappearance of 2 mummified skulls of crusaders. The graves had been broken into with a crowbar and the heads stolen. A despicable act that provoked outrage throughout Ireland.
Fortunately, the Irish authorities have just announced that they have found the stolen skulls in good condition.
These were part of a priceless heritage preserved at St Michan’s Church in Dublin. It turns out that the church has a particularly famous crypt, which attracts some 28,000 visitors every year. Access is gained by descending the steps of a narrow staircase leading to a tunnel.
The tunnel leads to 6 separate cavities, each containing a number of coffins. Four of these caves are closed to the public, but the remaining 2 can be visited.
The coffins are laid out on the floor, some of them open. Mummified bodies, covered in dust, can be seen. It was among these burials that the thefts took place, resulting in the disappearance of 2 skulls.
Of these 2 tombs, one is better known: it’s the tomb of an unknown crusader who died on the occasion of the IVth Crusade, which set out from Venice in 1202 and ended with the sacking of Constantinople. Very tall, the man was 1.98 meters tall… which meant his legs were broken and bent over to allow him to fit into his coffin.
Fortunately, the authorities found the 2 skulls. The heads are said to be undamaged and should soon be returned to their original position in St Michan’s Church.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Mr. Jackson, said he was“delighted” with the news. The mummies in the crypt“are a priceless part of Dublin’s heritage“, he said in a statement.
Security measures will shortly be put in place to prevent any further desecration.
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