Archaeologists discover unique Early Bronze Age burial site near Olomouc

Archaeologists from the Olomouc Archaeological Centre have announced a unique discovery. While conducting a rescue excavation along the future route of the D35 motorway, they unearthed the largest Early Bronze Age burial site of the so-called Nitra culture unearthed to date in Central Moravia.

The discovery was made during rescue research along the future D35 motorway route between Křelov and Neředín, north of Olomouc. Between September of last year and this April, archaeologists uncovered two settlements and two burial sites in the area, including a large burial ground from the so-called Nitra culture, which inhabited the area between the years 2100-1800 BC.

The extensive site features 130 graves and is regarded as one of the most important findings in the research of this culture, says lead researcher Vendula Vránová.

Photo: Archeological Center in Olomouc

“It is one of the largest burial sites from this period found in our country. At that time, people were typically buried in a crouched position on their side, but to our surprise, we also discovered bodies in different positions. Some of the bones were clearly deliberately rearranged, probably as part of a rite of passage that allowed the deceased to move from the world of the living to the world of the dead, which is a very unique find.”

The Nitra culture is distinguished by a greater use of copper objects and the introduction of burials in large, terraced graves. It was also common during this period for the deceased to be buried with specific objects, many of which were uncovered at the site, says Ms. Vránová:

“Most commonly, these included arrowheads made of flint, small copper ornaments such as pins and jewellery that were part of clothing, and typically numerous sets of bone beads, which were probably either sewn onto garments or strung together. We also found some copper daggers and pottery vessels.”

Photo: Archeological Center in Olomouc

Around 400 meters away, on a flat elevation overlooking the Morava River valley, archaeologists uncovered yet another significant burial ground, where they explored another 32 graves, says Ms. Vránová:

“This site is particularly interesting as it spans four different periods of our past. The earliest graves, which date roughly 4,500 years back, were originally located beneath burial mounds. When the Celts arrived, they chose to bury their dead in the same area. There is also a grave of a Germanic warrior from the third century, and graves belonging to the Slavs from the Great Moravian period in the 9th century.”

Laboratory treatment, processing, and cataloguing of the findings are now underway, along with further analysis, providing new insights into the people buried at the site. The archaeologists are also planning to publish a detailed report to share their remarkable discovery with the public.

Photo: Archeological Center in Olomouc