A 1000-year-old sarcophagus under a church in Germany has been opened, revealing what is believed to be the remains of an Archbishop who died in the 11th century.

Archaeologists in Mainz have been excavating the St Johannis Church, one of the oldest cathedrals in Germany.

They first uncovered signs of the stone coffin in 2017 when a corner was revealed under the church floor.

A team of 14 archaeologists have uncovered a sarcophagus under one of the oldest cathedrals in Germany

It has been speculated the remains inside the burial receptacle could belong to a former Archbishop of Mainz from 1,000 years ago

This week, a team of 14 archaeologists finally opened the 700kg stone cover after months of preparation.

Using a pulley system, the excavation team was able to see what was inside the sarcophagus after a millennium.

Guido Faccani, the lead archaeologist, told CNN: 'Such a long preparation time and then the lid opens, that was a unique moment.'

The dean of Mainz said everyone in the church 'got to feel a little bit like Indiana Jones'.

The team used a pulley system to open the 700kg stone cover after it was first discovered in 2017

The human remains inside the sarcophagus have all but decayed with small pieces of fabric inside being used to work out its age

Inside the sarcophagus was very little evidence of a body, with even the teeth apparently decayed.

Samples of fabric within the receptacle are being sent for examination to determine their age.

Experts believe the remains belong to a clergyman of significance because of the position of the sarcophagus pointed towards the altar.

It is speculated the body is that of the Archbishop of Mainz, Erkanbald, who served from 1011 to 1021.