Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Moscow’s Cathedral of the Archangel on Thursday to inspect the recently uncovered remains of medieval warrior prince Dmitry Donskoy. The remains were discovered last month during restoration work in a crypt near the cathedral’s southern wall, surprising historians who had believed the prince was buried elsewhere.

The Russian Orthodox Church said the well-preserved remains were identified as those of Donskoy based on their physical characteristics and historical records. Experts said the remains belonged to a man just under 180 cm tall who died of natural causes between the ages of 35 and 45. Putin lit a candle inside the frescoed cathedral and stood beside the white-stone sarcophagus as experts explained the discovery.

Dmitry Donskoy died in 1389 at the age of 39 after ruling the principalities of Muscovy and Vladimir. He is remembered for expanding Muscovy’s territory, overseeing the construction of the first stone Kremlin fortress and defeating Mongol forces in the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo, a major event in Russian history.

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