A bronze Celtic helmet from the 4th century BC has been unearthed in northeast Poland, marking a major archaeological discovery.
Only the second of its kind found in Poland, the helmet was discovered alongside iron axes and other tools in a blackened pit close to the town of Chorzele.
According to archaeologists, the find shifts previous understandings of the scale of contact between ancient Polish tribes and the Celtic world during the pre-Roman era.
Despite its poor condition, the helmet's original design has been identified as a cone-shaped structure with distinctive decorative ridges and a double knob on top.
Lacking cheek protectors, the helmet shares similarities with those found in Austria.
Immediately after its discovery, the helmet was transported to the conservation department of the Polish Museum of Archaeology for restoration.
“During this year's archaeological research, numerous ornaments from the Early Iron Age were discovered, including multi-coiled, intricately decorated bronze bracelets, necklaces… These are rare and among the few women's adornments found in northeastern Poland since World War II,” the Mazovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments said.
Regarding the helmet, he said: “This is the second find of this type on Polish lands and without a doubt more spectacular.”
The archaeological community now hopes to secure and display the Celtic helmet as part of Poland’s rich heritage, giving the public access to the unique artifact.
Officials where the helmet was found, together with the Polish Museum of Archaeology, plan to create an educational path along the site to help people learn about the discovery.
According to archaeologists, the find shifts previous understandings of the scale of contact between ancient Polish tribes and the Celtic world during the pre-Roman era.
Despite its poor condition, the helmet's original design has been identified as a cone-shaped structure with distinctive decorative ridges and a double knob on top.
Lacking cheek protectors, the helmet shares similarities with those found in Austria.
Immediately after its discovery, the helmet was transported to the conservation department of the Polish Museum of Archaeology for restoration.
“During this year's archaeological research, numerous ornaments from the Early Iron Age were discovered, including multi-coiled, intricately decorated bronze bracelets, necklaces… These are rare and among the few women's adornments found in northeastern Poland since World War II,” the Mazovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments said.
Regarding the helmet, he said: “This is the second find of this type on Polish lands and without a doubt more spectacular.”
The archaeological community now hopes to secure and display the Celtic helmet as part of Poland’s rich heritage, giving the public access to the unique artifact.
Officials where the helmet was found, together with the Polish Museum of Archaeology, plan to create an educational path along the site to help people learn about the discovery.
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