Archaeologists working at the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes in Barcelona have discovered the skeletal remains of Queen Elisenda of Montcada. The find took place during excavations for the monastery’s 700th anniversary, which was established in 1326. Across eight tombs, researchers located 25 skeletons. These included men showing stab injuries to the skull and the partially preserved body of a pregnant woman still holding a fetus. Experts are applying DNA testing and forensic methods to determine the identities of those buried. Elisenda, spouse of James II of Aragon, held significant political and religious influence in medieval Catalonia and resided at the monastery after her husband’s death in 1327.
