Discovered in Budyně nad Ohří, 40 km northwest of Prague, the site yielded eight axes, arm rings, pins, and a spearhead.
ADVERTISEMENTA team of archaeologists in the Czech Republic have uncovered a remarkable hoard of weapons and jewellery, dating back to approximately 1600 BC.
The discovery was made during an excavation survey in the town of Budyně nad Ohří, located 40km northwest of Prague, where researchers stumbled upon a treasure trove of bronze artefacts, including eight axes, eight arm rings, two pins and a spearhead.
Researchers believe the artefacts were intentionally buried, though their exact purpose remains a mystery. Three theories have been proposed.
“First, such hoards could be used as votive gifts or gifts to the deities,” archaeologist Martin Trefný told Radio Prague International, the Czech Republic's public broadcaster.
Secondly, the items might have been buried to "some incident that happened in the village”. The third theory suggests that the site could have been a "storage pit of some producer or trader," says Trefný.
The Bronze Age bracelets discovered at the site were worn as forearm ornaments much like they are today, while the pins were likely used to fasten clothing or style women's hair, researchers suggest.
While the artefacts could be worth "millions of crowns" - with a million Czech crowns equating to nearly €40,000 - the historical and scientific value far exceeds the financial value.
The find offers a rare glimpse into life in central Europe during the Bronze Age and will help enhance our understanding of the craftsmanship of casters at the time.
Other recent archaeological discoveries in the Czech Republic
Just last month, a team of archaeologists from the University of Hradec Králové (UHK) discovered a prehistoric burial along a highway in the Czech Republic’s eastern Bohemia region.
The monumental burial mound dates from the 4th millennium BC – making it one of Europe’s earliest known funerary structures.
Invisible above ground prior to the excavation, two central burials were revealed during the dig: two human skeletons, both laid on their left side facing north, the first accompanied by a ceramic vessel, and the second with five chipped artefacts.
Researchers believe the orientation of the skeletons and offerings provide valuable information about the burial customs of the time.
The burial mound was partially disturbed by a younger pit, suspected to be another burial site – although more analysis is needed to confirm this – despite no human bones being found.
The artefacts will soon go on display at the Podřipské Museum in Roudnice nad Labem, Czech Republic.
