Celtic artifact discovered in Poland, revealing ancient history

Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at the Łysa Góra archaeological site in northeastern Poland, where nearly 350 artifacts were unearthed, including a rare 2,300-year-old bronze Celtic helmet. This helmet, found in a charcoal pit along with four iron axes, is the first of its kind from the La Tène period discovered in Poland and only the second ever found, with the first being located over 40 years ago in southern Poland. The presence of such artifacts indicates a notable Celtic settlement in the region, which is geographically distant from their native lands in southern Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The discovery, led by Dr. Bartłomiej Kaczyński from the Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, suggests that the Celts were drawn to this area due to the availability of amber, a highly sought-after commodity in the Mediterranean world. The helmet likely belonged to a member of the Celtic elite, serving not only as a protective item but also as a symbol of status, indicating the owner's wealth and power. This suggests a structured society with leaders who may have played a role in overseeing trade routes. In addition to the helmet, the excavation revealed various iron tools, jewelry, and harness elements, which point to horse breeding activities in the area. The artifacts found provide a deeper understanding of the Celtic culture and their interactions with the local environment. Currently, the helmet is undergoing restoration at the Museum Conservation Department of the PMA, a process expected to take around six months. This find not only enriches the historical narrative of the Celts in Poland but also highlights the importance of archaeological research in uncovering ancient histories.