An “Early Iron Age dagger” discovered in northwestern Poland may only be a few hundred years old, according to archeologists.
Last month, history enthusiasts and the local museum in Kamień Pomorski on the Baltic coast announced the “sensational discovery” of an intricately decorated dagger, which was said to date back almost 3,000 years.
However, as the story made waves in Poland and worldwide, archeological experts quickly questioned the item’s dating.
A group of archeologists wrote in the Archeologia Żywa journal that the object was “unlikely” from the Early Iron Age and suggested that it could instead be a Middle Eastern weapon from the 18th or 19th century.
In a joint article, nine experts from academic institutions in Poland and abroad said that the item does not resemble other items found in large collections from the Early Iron Age.
“This is particularly evident in its sharply tapering blade and rounded-section hilt, as well as its decorative elements – Maltese-like crosses and partial circles – possibly applied using several types of punches,” they wrote.
They added that the Kamień Pomorski History Museum’s analysis of the dagger’s metallurgy “raised red flags” about the dating.
Early this week, the museum addressed the criticism in a social media post.
“For us, this is a lesson for the future – we know that we should not formulate any theories ‘on the spot,’” the museum’s director, Grzegorz Kurka, wrote.
Speaking later to the Polish news agency PAP, he said he had no further comment about the experts’ opinion regarding the dagger’s age.
But he reiterated an appeal to end the social media hate, which he said had been directed towards the museum and the individuals who discovered the item.
“For those who think that only they have the exclusive right to the truth, it is worth remembering: on the other side, there is a person who has feelings and thoughts and may simply not be able to withstand unfair criticism.”
In an interview with PAP, Dr. Radosław Biel, editor of Archeologia Żywa, said that the furor around the dagger was a case study of what can happen when unverified information is announced prematurely.
“This situation shows how important it is to carefully check academic information before releasing it into the world. This will help us avoid confusion and maintain trust in science,” he said.
However, as the story made waves in Poland and worldwide, archeological experts quickly questioned the item’s dating.
A group of archeologists wrote in the Archeologia Żywa journal that the object was “unlikely” from the Early Iron Age and suggested that it could instead be a Middle Eastern weapon from the 18th or 19th century.
Experts raise dagger doubts
In a joint article, nine experts from academic institutions in Poland and abroad said that the item does not resemble other items found in large collections from the Early Iron Age.
“This is particularly evident in its sharply tapering blade and rounded-section hilt, as well as its decorative elements – Maltese-like crosses and partial circles – possibly applied using several types of punches,” they wrote.
They added that the Kamień Pomorski History Museum’s analysis of the dagger’s metallurgy “raised red flags” about the dating.
Emphasizing that they had not yet been able to examine the object, they said it was “reminiscent of traditional weaponry from the southern Mediterranean and adjacent regions...from the 18th or 19th century.”“2,800-year-old ritual dagger found by the Baltic Sea!” – headlines cheered. But the truth? Less romantic, and much younger. We gathered expert opinions and now present a consensus signed by 9 specialists in Bronze & Early Iron Age. Links below (EN & PL)https://t.co/gDUSNK2iCs
— Archeologia Żywa (@ArcheologiaZywa) April 4, 2025
Museum appeals for end to hate
Early this week, the museum addressed the criticism in a social media post.
“For us, this is a lesson for the future – we know that we should not formulate any theories ‘on the spot,’” the museum’s director, Grzegorz Kurka, wrote.
Speaking later to the Polish news agency PAP, he said he had no further comment about the experts’ opinion regarding the dagger’s age.
But he reiterated an appeal to end the social media hate, which he said had been directed towards the museum and the individuals who discovered the item.
“For those who think that only they have the exclusive right to the truth, it is worth remembering: on the other side, there is a person who has feelings and thoughts and may simply not be able to withstand unfair criticism.”
In an interview with PAP, Dr. Radosław Biel, editor of Archeologia Żywa, said that the furor around the dagger was a case study of what can happen when unverified information is announced prematurely.
“This situation shows how important it is to carefully check academic information before releasing it into the world. This will help us avoid confusion and maintain trust in science,” he said.
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