Recently, at the archaeological site of Łysa Góra, located in Mazovia, Poland, a team of researchers unearthed a remarkable set of approximately 300 artifacts, including iron tools such as axes and shears, as well as a unique Celtic helmet from the 4th century BC.
This discovery, led by Dr. Bartłomiej Kaczyński of the State Archaeological Museum (Państwowe Muzeum Archeologiczne – PMA), has been described as an exceptional example of advanced Celtic metallurgy and presents a unique opportunity to reassess the historical links between local communities and the Celtic world.
The Celtic helmet discovered at Łysa Góra is a highly significant artifact due to its rarity and state of preservation. Until now, the only similar helmet found in Polish lands was discovered in Siemiechów, dating from the 1st century BC, much more recent in comparison to this new find.
This helmet, made of bronze and featuring a characteristic design known as nakarczek (an arched plate on the edge), was initially mistaken for an ancient vessel, as bronze containers are more common in the region. However, a closer inspection by Dr. Andrzej Maciałowicz from the Faculty of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw confirmed that it was a helmet. The final revelation came when the kalota, a distinctive part of the helmet with a double-button design, was discovered, leaving no doubt about the artifact’s authenticity and rarity.
This helmet is representative of the early La Tène period style, a Celtic artistic style that developed between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Helmets of this type are extremely rare, and their discovery in Poland is even more significant. According to Dr. Kaczyński, the discovery changes the current perception of the scale of contacts between local communities in the pre-Roman period and the Celts. Previously, it was considered that Celtic artifacts in the region were mainly the result of trade or cultural exchange, but the presence of such a complex helmet suggests a more direct and profound interaction, possibly indicating the presence of Celtic individuals or a stronger influence of Celtic culture in the region.
Given the deteriorated state of the helmet, it has been transferred to the Conservation Department of the PMA, where Mikołaj Organek, a conservator specializing in iron and bronze artifacts, is carrying out a meticulous conservation process that could take several months. Conservation is essential not only to preserve the helmet but also to allow a more detailed study that could shed light on Celtic metallurgical techniques and the historical context of its use in Poland.
In addition to the helmet, the team of archaeologists unearthed a variety of other artifacts that provide a more comprehensive view of daily life in the region during the Celtic era. Among these objects are iron tools such as rectangular axes and sickles used for farming and livestock, as well as a pair of shears that were likely used for sheep shearing.
These discoveries reflect the Celts’ skill in iron tool-making, an innovation that revolutionized agricultural and craft practices in ancient Europe.
The team has also discovered objects belonging to the Western Baltic Barrow culture, which coexisted in the region alongside the Celtic culture. Among the most notable finds are three female ornaments, ornamental bracelets with multiple spirals that are extremely rare and represent one of the few examples found in Poland since World War II.
SOURCES
Ewelina Krajczyńska-Wujec, Unikatowy hełm celtycki odkryli archeolodzy na Mazowszu (Nauka w Polsce)
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