A trove of approximately 500 gold and silver coins, along with other artifacts, was unearthed at a Celtic site in the Pilsen region of Poland. The trove included a unique set of Hallstatt-period gold jewelry, bronze items, raw gold, and a small statue of a horse. It was unearthed by a team of archaeologists from the Czech Academy of Sciences Archaeological Institute and the West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen.
The exact site remains secret to thwart illegal searches and protect it from damage, standing out as it had not experienced the plunder that ruined many Celtic sites in Czechia centuries ago. Researchers hope to achieve a comprehensive understanding of a rare Iron Age site. Unlike many other locations tied to Celtic history, no permanent settlement structures were found, suggesting the area may have been a temporary marketplace or a site for exchanges. Live Science reported that archaeologist David Daněček noted, "It could have been a space where people gathered to trade, exchange goods, and currencies. The dispersion of small objects, such as coins, suggests temporary activities rather than a long-term settlement."
Some coins, dating back to the 6th century BCE to the 1st century BCE, bear Hellenistic-inspired portraits and designs influenced by Greek art. Artifacts also carried images of horses, wild boars, suns, or abstract symbols, exemplifying the artistic craftsmanship of the ancient Celts. Notably, some coins came from previously unknown mints. "This discovery challenges current knowledge of Celtic coinage in the region," said museum archaeologist Daniel Stráník.
The collection also included gold earrings, fragments of bracelets, and other decorative objects, alongside several gold and silver ingots, reinforcing theories that the site may have been a location for trade and possibly coin minting activities. The Celts were known for their trade networks stretching from the British Isles to the Balkans, showing cultural contact with the Greek colonies on the Adriatic coast and the Balkans. The find in Pilsen further cemented the Celts' influence and reach across Europe.
The excavation site, located in a field still actively farmed, presented challenges to the archaeologists, who worked within the agricultural calendar. "The main goal of the project was primarily to save movable archaeological finds that are immediately threatened by illegal prospectors, ploughing, and natural influences," stated Jan Mařík, director of the Archaeological Institute. This urgency underscored the importance of protecting such rare heritage.
While a selection from the unparalleled Celtic treasure, including the Hallstatt-period gold jewelry, is exhibited at the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Pilsen Region in Mariánská Týnice, the most exceptional pieces are held securely until the full examination of the site is complete. "In the future, we are considering creating a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Celts, which will offer a completely new perspective on their life in our region," said Pavel Kodera, director of the museum and gallery in Mariánská Týnice.
Written with the help of a news-analysis system.