Excavations led by the Archaeological Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences have been taking place in the Plzeň (Pilsen) region, located in the western part of the country. According to local authorities, the excavation work has been underway in a secret location for the past five years. Archaeologists initiated the project to safeguard portable artifacts threatened by treasure hunters and natural elements.
**Groundbreaking Discovery: Treasure Unearthed**
The artifacts recovered from the excavation site include gold and silver coins adorned with animal figures, bullion fragments, bronze clasps, pins, bracelets, necklaces, and a horse figurine, as reported by Arkeofili. It’s believed that these objects were used for trade during an ancient Celtic fair or seasonal market.
**Coins from Unknown Mints**
Archaeologist Daniel Stráník stated that a significant portion of the newly discovered coins were minted in previously unknown mints. He added that this discovery could alter existing knowledge about the Celts’ currency system in the region. The absence of any permanent settlement traces in the area suggests that the region was used as a periodic trading area.
Archaeologist David Daněček noted, “We believe that this area may have been a marketplace where seasonal trading activities took place, and people lost their coins or jewelry while shopping.”
**Artifacts on Display at the Museum**
A selection of the finds has already been put on display at the museum in the village of Mariánská Týnice. Museum Director Pavel Kodera explained that the most valuable pieces are being stored in the depot for security reasons and will be included in the permanent exhibition after the scientific analysis is completed.
**Discovery Sheds Light on Celtic History**
It is known that the Celts lived in a vast geographical area, not only in Western Europe but also from the Iberian Peninsula to Anatolia. Archaeologists believe that these finds may belong to the La Tène culture (450–50 BC).
This discovery marks one of the most significant recent Celtic finds in the Czech Republic. In July, hundreds of coins and thousands of jewelry pieces were found in a 2,200-year-old settlement in the Bohemia region. According to experts, this latest discovery necessitates a re-evaluation of the economic and cultural impact of the Celtic civilization in Central Europe.
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