A team of archaeologists from the University of Hradec Králové, the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, and the research organization Archaia Praha has made an astonishing discovery. During archaeological surveys preceding the construction of a highway in the northern part of the country, the scientists stumbled upon a large Celtic settlement. This site belongs to the so-called La Tène culture—a Celtic archaeological culture from the Iron Age (5th to 1st century BC).
Among the 13,000 artifacts uncovered by the team, there are numerous items made of gold, silver, and amber.
The settlement, covering an area of about 250,000 square meters, was likely home to a tribe of Boii. According to the archaeologists, this “open agglomeration” functioned as a center for trade, production, and governance in the 2nd century BC before mysteriously disappearing in the 1st century BC.
The team found no signs of violent destruction, suggesting that the decline of the settlement may have been gradual and influenced by economic or environmental factors.
Gold, Silver, Ceramics, and Amber
The discovery of 13,000 artifacts is an extraordinary find for excavations of a Celtic settlement in Central Europe. Among the most notable discoveries were numerous gold and silver coins. Some of these were minted directly on-site, indicating a developed local economy.
The archaeologists unearthed molds for coin casting, further confirming that the settlement’s inhabitants were involved in their production. They also found exquisite ceramic items, metal vessels, and fragments of mirrors. These objects reflect the daily life of the Celts, including their domestic, economic, and cultural practices.
The team was also struck by an exceptionally rare ceramic shard engraved with an image of a horse, as reported by Arkeonews.
“The presence of amber, luxurious ceramics, and locally produced coins indicates that this was an atypical settlement. It was clearly integrated into the Amber Road, a key trade route connecting the Baltic to the Mediterranean,” noted Tomáš Mangel, an archaeologist from the University of Hradec Králové.
The researchers also discovered pottery kilns, glassworking workshops, and religious shrines. All of this suggests that a complex, developed community once thrived here.
According to Miroslav Novak from the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, the significance of this site can be compared to major Celtic settlements in the Central Danube region or southern Germany.
Upcoming Plans for the Researchers
The main phase of excavations concluded in early 2025. However, the analysis of the findings has only just begun. They are being cataloged and studied at the Museum of Eastern Bohemia. A small exhibition will open there soon, while a more comprehensive display based on the excavation results awaits visitors after a full assessment of the artifacts.