A remarkable archaeological discovery in Bagienice Wielkie, Poland, has shed new light on the ancient history of the region.
A Groundbreaking Discovery
Live Science an WP reports that a 2,300-year-old helmet, unearthed during recent excavations, provides concrete evidence of Celtic presence in northern Poland. This find is the first of its kind in this part of the country.
Dr. Bartłomiej Kaczyński from the State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw and Dr. Wojciech Borkowski led the excavation that uncovered this historic artifact.
The helmet, which dates back over two millennia, is believed to have belonged to the Celts, also known as the Gauls or Galatians. Researchers suggest that the Celts may have settled in this area to secure valuable amber resources.
The discovery is considered groundbreaking, significantly altering the understanding of Celtic interactions in the pre-Roman Iron Age. Alongside the helmet, the excavation revealed iron axes and a sickle, but the helmet's historical value stands out.
Only one similar helmet, found in Siemiechów, has been previously identified in Poland, though it is several centuries younger than the one from Bagienice Wielkie.
Hopes of Reconstruction
The helmet originally featured a conical crown with a double knob at the top and an arched neck guard with edge lines.
Notably, it lacks space for cheek guards, which were common in Celtic helmets found in Western Europe.
Dr. Kaczyński and Dr. Borkowski have handed over the helmet to the conservationists, hoping for future reconstruction and preservation. Similar helmets have been found in Western Europe, including Austria, indicating a broader Celtic presence.
Plans are underway to secure and display the helmet, highlighting Poland's unique archaeological heritage.
Current knowledge suggests that Celts inhabited southern Poland from around 400 to 120 B.C. and were recently confirmed to have reached Kujawy in the 1st century B.C.
