A 2,000-year-old Roman sword has been unearthed in a Polish forest by metal detector enthusiasts hunting WWII artifacts.
Rafał Proszowski and Mariusz Lampa from the Inventum Association stumbled upon the sword, the blade of which was broken into three pieces, while scouring woodland close to the southern pilgrim city of Częstochowa.
Known as a spatha, the sword which the detectorists believe was linked to the Przeworsk culture – a group associated with the Vandals - was commonly used by Roman cavalry.
Magdalena Wieczorek-Szmal from the Częstochowa Museum said: “We can tentatively date the sword to the 3rd or 4th century AD.
“It’s an extraordinary find—one of the most significant discoveries of Roman-era weaponry in this region.”
Researchers added that the sword bears traces of fire patina, suggesting that it may have been part of an ancient cremation ceremony.
Posting on social media, the Inventum Association said: “It’s possible that in this forest near Częstochowa, Wandal warriors performed a farewell ritual, burning the body of a fallen comrade and leaving behind symbolic objects.”
The museum’s Maciej Kosiński added: “This find reinforces the historical significance of Northern Jura.
“It shows that this land was not just a passageway but a place of real activity during ancient times.”
In addition to the Roman sword, the detectorists also uncovered other valuable artifacts, including a medieval axe and three well-preserved spurs from the late Middle Ages.
The exact location of the discovery is being kept secret while further research is carried out in the area.
The relics have been handed over to the Częstochowa Museum, where they will undergo conservation before being displayed.
Known as a spatha, the sword which the detectorists believe was linked to the Przeworsk culture – a group associated with the Vandals - was commonly used by Roman cavalry.
Magdalena Wieczorek-Szmal from the Częstochowa Museum said: “We can tentatively date the sword to the 3rd or 4th century AD.
“It’s an extraordinary find—one of the most significant discoveries of Roman-era weaponry in this region.”
Researchers added that the sword bears traces of fire patina, suggesting that it may have been part of an ancient cremation ceremony.
Posting on social media, the Inventum Association said: “It’s possible that in this forest near Częstochowa, Wandal warriors performed a farewell ritual, burning the body of a fallen comrade and leaving behind symbolic objects.”
The museum’s Maciej Kosiński added: “This find reinforces the historical significance of Northern Jura.
“It shows that this land was not just a passageway but a place of real activity during ancient times.”
In addition to the Roman sword, the detectorists also uncovered other valuable artifacts, including a medieval axe and three well-preserved spurs from the late Middle Ages.
The exact location of the discovery is being kept secret while further research is carried out in the area.
The relics have been handed over to the Częstochowa Museum, where they will undergo conservation before being displayed.
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