[Article déjà publié le 29 mai 2024]
This find drew the attention of archaeologists and historians, in particular those of the Masaryk University and the Archeology Institute of the Academy of Czech Republic. The latter, responsible for the analysis and preservation of these artifacts, reveals to us a fascinating history of hidden treasures and struggles for power. In addition to the pieces, bronze artefacts decorated with intriguing pagan motifs have been found, suggesting cultural ties through medieval central Europe.
An unexpected discovery in the Czech Republic
A woman walking in a field in Kutná Hora, made an extraordinary discovery, we learned in a press release from the Archeology Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. It is a historic city of the Central Bohemia region. When she walked, she saw a metallic shine under the ground. Intrigued, she dug slightly and unearthed a ceramic jar filled with silver coins. Aware of the importance of her discovery, she immediately contacted the local authorities.
The Archeology Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic then took care of the excavations. The first analyzes revealed that the pieces date from the period from 1085 to 1107, an era marked by dynastic conflicts and political upheavals. The scale and state of conservation of these parts offer a rare window on economic practices and commercial networks of this time.
The excavations. © Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic
The pieces were initially buried in a ceramic jar, probably hidden to preserve a considerable wealth in times of trouble. Although the jar has been partially destroyed by agricultural work over the centuries, its substance has remained intact. It was a chance for archaeologists.
They were able to use this preserved part as a benchmark to locate and excavate the rest of the treasure. By continuing the excavations carefully, they managed to uncover more than 2,150 silver pieces. Each piece will now be subject to a series of detailed analyzes to learn more about their origin and composition, thus providing precious information on the medieval history of the region.
A rich historical context
Filip Velímský, archaeologist at the Archeology Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, stresses that the hiding place of these silver pieces dates back to a period of great political instability. He explains: “At that time, the country was plagued by internal quarrels between the members of the Přemysl dynasty for the princely throne of Prague”.
These dynastic conflicts were marked by incessant power struggles and changing alliances. They created a climate of uncertainty and insecurity. In this context, it was common for individuals to hide their wealth to protect them from looting and abuses.
900 -year -old old -fashioned pieces. © Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic
To illustrate the value of this treasure, Filip Velímský compares its discovery to “win a million in the lottery”. At the time, such a sum was unimaginable for an ordinary person. Silver coins represented a colossal wealth, often inaccessible to the majority of the population. This comparison highlights the importance and rarity of this hiding place. This suggests that it probably belonged to a high -ranking figure or a powerful institution. This considerable sum of parts found in Kutná Hora could thus allow to pay mercenary soldiers. Or they could come from loot accumulated during military campaigns.
An invaluable treasure in the Czech Republic to preserve
The fact that these parts were struck in Prague and then imported into a central bohemian testifies to the existence of well established commercial networks in the Middle Ages. Prague was a major economic and political center. She had a major currency strike activity. Silver pieces of that time often served in commercial transactions across central Europe and beyond. Their discovery in Kutná Hora, far from the place of their strike, indicates on the one hand active trade. On the other hand, they prove the strategic importance of the region.
They were transferred to a specialized laboratory. The analysis will extend over about a year. First, the parts will be cleaned to remove the deposits and impurities accumulated over the centuries. Then, restaurateurs will intervene to repair any degradation and stabilize the parts for their long -term conservation. Experts will photograph each piece from different angles. These images will create a visual database facilitating future research and publications.
In addition to these stages, X -ray analyzes and spectrometries will determine the exact composition of the materials. They will reveal not only the elements present in the alloys, but also their precise proportions. In addition to the money, the parts also contain a mixture of copper, lead and traces metals. These data will provide information on striking techniques and metal sources used.
Once this phase of analysis and documentation is completed, the authorities will exhibit the documents. The exhibition must be carried out for 2025 at the Kutná Hora silver museum. It will offer the public a unique opportunity to discover these medieval treasures and learn more about their historical context and their meaning. This public presentation will be the culmination of meticulous work and will enhance this exceptional discovery with a large audience.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
