Unique Celtic settlement discovered near Hradec Králové
Czech archaeologists have announced a major discovery. During a rescue excavation along the future route of the D35 motorway near Hradec Králové, they unearthed a Celtic settlement, unprecedented in Czechia for both its size and the number of artefacts uncovered.
The discovery of the Celtic settlement was made nearly a year ago, but it was only made public last week. According to archaeologists, the site dates back more than 2,000 years, to the La Tène period, when the Celts, specifically the Boii tribe, lived in the region. It is from this tribe that the Czech lands are believed to take their name.
Tomáš Mangel, an archaeologist from the University of Hradec Králové, explains:
“The settlement was active from the very end of the 3rd century BC and ended in the early 1st century BC. It represents what we call a 'central agglomeration', a settlement with key economic and social functions.
„We’ve identified several pottery kilns, signs of glass processing, and finds of amber, which was a major trade commodity at the time. There’s also a large number of gold and silver coins, some of which were even minted right here on site.”
One particularly exceptional find is a ceramic shard engraved with a simple image of a horse, small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. According to experts, such finds are extremely rare in Europe.
The discovery of Baltic amber, the large volume of coins, and signs of luxury pottery production all support the theory that this was not an ordinary settlement.
Archaeologists believe it functioned as a regional hub for trade and production, connected to long-distance routes, most notably the famous Amber Road linking the Baltic to the Mediterranean, says Mr. Mangel:
“The size of the site is also extraordinary. While most settlements from this period covered just one or two hectares, this one stretches across at least 25 hectares.
“What also makes it unique is that we have uncovered almost the entire site. That’s allowed us to gather a wide range of data, and we’re planning further analysis to learn even more.”
The excavation was carried out by archaeologists from the University of Hradec Králové, the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, and Archaia Praha. Although the digging is now complete the real work is only beginning, says Mr. Mangel:
“All the artefacts are now stored at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové. They’re being cleaned, analysed, and recorded into the museum’s collection. We expect a small exhibition to open in a few months. A larger one will take more time, once the full analysis and cataloguing of all finds is complete.”
Excavations along the D35 route have revealed other major discoveries as well. Among the most remarkable is what is believed to be the longest prehistoric burial mound in Europe—192 metres long and over 15 metres wide—dating back to the 4th millennium BC.
