Archaeologists discover a field with surprising finds that reveal the secrets of the past. A group of archaeologists has discovered a valuable treasure trove of Celtic gold coins, according to the Museum and Gallery of Northern Bohemia (MGSP). The remarkable discovery of the treasure took place in the Pilsen region, a picturesque part of the Czech Republic known for its medieval towns and castles that look like something out of a fairy tale.
What archaeologists found in a field in the Czech Republic
The treasure found consists mainly of 500 gold and silver coins. The money dates from the 6th and 1st centuries BC. In addition, the treasure included a horse and gold brooches, according to representatives of the Czech museum. You may be interested in: The discovery of the century: a find where, at a depth of 2000 metres, there are dozens of tonnes of gold, all belonging to a single province opens in a new window You may be interested in: archaeological discovery of the century | The legendary statue of Hercules, lost for 1700 years, has been found opens in a new window
Researchers from the Archaeological Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences have noted that this discovery is one of the most significant in recent years and are currently conducting isotopic analyses to determine whether the gold was local or brought from more distant locations. On the other hand, archaeologists have noted that they could be gold coins lost during commercial transactions or intentionally left as offerings in rituals of the time.
Discovery of a coin from the 2nd century BC: the story of the treasure found in a field
Although the discovery was announced on 3 October, the story of this treasure began in 2021, when an amateur archaeologist found a fragment of a coin from the 2nd century BC. The researcher found it with the help of a metal detector. The problem with extraction is that it must be carried out after the harvest and before the field is ploughed again, as it is located in a sown field.
The Mariánská Tynice treasure and its impressive Celtic coins
According to Pavel Kodera, director of the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Plzeň Region in Mariánská Tynice, ‘many metal objects have been found at this site, mainly small, very interesting artefacts, mainly coins, but not only coins.’ He also clarified that during the excavations, ‘gold ingots, crushed pieces, even flakes and fragments of raw gold, as well as earrings, pieces of bracelets and similar objects’ were found.
According to the details, the coins range in size from 7 mm to 1.5 cm and are distinguished by ‘impressive designs’. The coins depict horses, boars, suns and gods from Celtic culture. Other coins have Hellenistic designs and images of Greeks. You may be interested in Historical discovery: thousands of tonnes of gold found at an altitude of over 1900 metres opens in a new tab You may be interested in Discovery of the century | Coins and gold bars found in a field belonging to a country opens in a new tab
“These images are true works of art. They reflect Celtic mythology and worldview, giving an idea of the mentality of those who lived here,” said Kodera. A group of archaeologists and researchers indicated that the site where the gold coins were found could have been a seasonal meeting place for commercial transactions, rituals, or both.
