DNA Analysis Confirms Medieval Same-Sex Double Burial in Poland

Scientists have confirmed that two genetically unrelated women were buried together in a mutual embrace near a 13th-century cathedral in Opole, Poland. The discovery provides the first genetically verified same-sex double burial from medieval Poland.

The skeletons were excavated at the Cathedral Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Researchers extracted DNA from the bones and used computational tools to reconstruct missing segments of the genetic code. The analysis established that both individuals were female and shared no close genetic kinship.

Double burials in medieval Europe often involve family members or men who died in battle. In this case, the women were placed next to the cathedral walls, a location typically reserved for individuals of high social standing.

Researchers stated that assumptions about the relationship between the two women based on body position and physical sex can be misleading. The absence of close genetic kinship suggests their association was grounded in social, institutional, or situational ties.

Same-sex partnerships were punishable by execution in medieval times. The researchers noted that if the women had been suspected of being romantic partners, they might not have received such a burial location. Scientists said future genetic analysis of other medieval graves in the area may indicate whether same-sex burials formed part of a larger pattern.