Archaeologists in the Czech Republic have made an astonishing discovery of settlements dating from the Neolithic period to the high Middle Ages.
During an ongoing rescue research project conducted by the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, experts have explored over 9,000 archaeological objects unearthed along the path of a planned road. Instead of a single settlement, they discovered remains from three distinct eras in one location: Neolithic, Hallstatt/early La Tène, and Medieval.
The site yielded a wealth of artifacts, including columnar structures, 10 semi-subterranean houses, and deep pits related to gold mining. These findings provide valuable insights into the lives and activities of people from each era.
Notably, evidence indicates the presence of high-ranking social members from the 5th century BCE, as highlighted in a press release.
An occupied site for over 7,000 years
Notably, road construction near Nupak in the Czech Republic was halted abruptly when workers discovered signs of archaeological remains. Experts from the Archaeological Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague were called in to conduct a rescue excavation to preserve cultural heritage.
Initially, they unearthed eight long columnar structures dating back to the second half of the 6th millennium BCE, or the late Neolithic period. This 7,000-year-old settlement provides evidence of early human presence in the Czech Republic.
A representative from the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic explained the discoveries made within storage pits, waste pits, and a workshop.
“Numerous stone axes or axe-hammers, their semi-finished products, corkscrews made from axe-hammers, and unsuccessful products also prove the presence of a local workshop for processing the polished stone industry,” Monika Psohlavcová said, head of research.
The site’s occupation continued into the late Hallstatt/early La Tène period (5th century BCE), as evidenced by the discovery of a village. The arrangement of the 10 semi-subterranean houses suggests a custom of partially sinking dwellings into the ground. Additionally, several settlement pits, troughs, and above-ground structures were identified.
The excavation unearthed numerous artifacts, including kitchenware, fine tableware with impressive stamp decoration, and evidence of metalworking and glass beads. The discovery of a kylix handle, a drinking vessel from the Adriatic, suggests contact between this village and the Mediterranean region. Bronze horse phalerae (ornaments) indicate the presence of a high-ranking class during this period.
The archaeological investigation continues
Archaeologists also excavated several dozen circular pits dating back to the 13th century, which suggest “prospecting or direct gold mining,” explained Monika Psohlavcová in a recent press release.
Although the settlement is located near a major Czech gold mine from the 13th and 14th centuries, researchers consulted with leading mountain archaeologists and geologists to analyze the findings.
Since the site yielded archaeological material from three distinct eras, the rescue mission along the Prague Ring Road will continue. The planned route for the D1 highway (Běchovice section) traverses land inhabited since prehistoric times, necessitating further archaeological research before construction can proceed.
