2,000-year-old cemetery — full of Gothic treasures — unearthed in Poland. See photos
Olaf Popkiewicz was conducting research near the Wda River in Poland when he spotted some objects made of silver.
They were “unique” ancient grave goods from a 2,000-year-old Gothic necropolis, Wda Landscape Park officials told McClatchy News. Popkiewicz unearthed two silver fibulae and two silver necklaces connected to the Gothic people and dating to about the fifth century.
After discovering the silver objects, experts found more Gothic artifacts and human bones in the area, and initiated excavations of the site, officials said.
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Archaeologists have excavated more than 2,600 square feet of the site, the state park said. They have unearthed 50 cremated Gothic graves and a number of burial artifacts including more jewelry and ceramics.
Experts now plan immediate excavations in the park, which is estimated to be over 2.4 acres, to preserve its artifacts.
The Goths were a Germanic people characterized by their unique weaponry and allegiance to their kings, according to Britannica. Gothic legend indicates the group originated from Scandinavia and crossed to the southern shore of the Baltic Sea where they defeated German peoples. They were also known for raiding and attacking the Roman empire.
Wda Landscape Park is about 150 miles northeast of Warsaw.
Google Translate was used to translate a Facebook post from Wda Landscape Park and a story from National Geographic Poland.
This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 2:42 PM with the headline "2,000-year-old cemetery — full of Gothic treasures — unearthed in Poland. See photos."
