Researchers from Uppsala University have opened a small gilded box containing the skull and bones of Swedish King Erik IX, who became a national saint after he was murdered in 1160.

The researchers also removed the king's burial crown, which is the oldest known royal crown in Sweden, to display it to the public for the first time. Knowledge about King Erik IX is sparse and Uppsala University said it hopes DNA tests and X-ray scans can reveal more about his origins. Some sources suggest his father may have been English.

According to legend, the king was beheaded and miracles occurred after his death. Uppsala Cathedral was later built on the murder site to house his remains.

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