The skeletal remains of three people, believed to have died during the Mongol invasion of Poland in the 13th century, have been uncovered at the site of a former hill fort in southern Poland.
Archeologists came across the grim discovery close to the village of Czermno, which during the Middle Ages was one of Europe’s largest Slavic fortifications.
Dr. Tomasz Dzieńkowski from the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin said. “At least one of them was lying on its stomach, so these were not intentional burials or graves.
“The skeletons will be subjected to radiocarbon testing.
“If it turns out that they date from the mid-13th century, then we can assume that they are victims of the Mongol invasion.”
Dr. Tomasz Dzieńkowski from the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin said. “At least one of them was lying on its stomach, so these were not intentional burials or graves.
“The skeletons will be subjected to radiocarbon testing.
“If it turns out that they date from the mid-13th century, then we can assume that they are victims of the Mongol invasion.”
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Photos: Institute of Archaeology at the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin via Facebook
The hill fort is the last remnant of what was then called Czerwień. During its prime, it comprised not only the main hill fort but also an adjoining settlement, burial grounds located a short distance away, and other structures that formed a thriving community.
It is believed to have been ransacked and destroyed during the Mongol Empire's invasion of Poland in 1240-1241, when Mongol forces overwhelmed and decisively defeated a coalition of European armies, leading to the settlement's downfall.
During the excavations, archeologists also uncovered a series of lead seals, all of a distinct type, used to signify ownership of goods.
“This proves that the stronghold was not only a military base but also an important center of trade,” Dr. Dzieńkowski said.
Laboratory analysis of the human remains is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Archeologists are hopeful that the findings will offer valuable information about who the remains belonged to and the cause of their deaths.
It is believed to have been ransacked and destroyed during the Mongol Empire's invasion of Poland in 1240-1241, when Mongol forces overwhelmed and decisively defeated a coalition of European armies, leading to the settlement's downfall.
During the excavations, archeologists also uncovered a series of lead seals, all of a distinct type, used to signify ownership of goods.
“This proves that the stronghold was not only a military base but also an important center of trade,” Dr. Dzieńkowski said.
Laboratory analysis of the human remains is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Archeologists are hopeful that the findings will offer valuable information about who the remains belonged to and the cause of their deaths.
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