Ancient Celtic Artifact Unearthed in Poland: 2,300-Year-Old Metal Object Found in Charcoal Pit

September 19, 2024 by No Comments

Excavations at the have uncovered nearly 350 artifacts, including a rare 2,300-year-old Celtic helmet, providing further evidence of Celtic presence in northeastern Poland. 

The Celtic helmet was discovered on August 10, 2024, during research conducted by the Archaeological Museum in Warsaw, with participation from the Faculty of Archaeology of the University of Warsaw, Dr. Bartłomiej Kaczyński, who led the excavations, told Digital in an email. 

“This discovery is significant because it is the first early (4th century BC) La Tène helmet found in Poland and only the second ever discovered,” Kaczyński said, explaining that the first was found over 40 years ago in southern Poland and dated back to the 1st century BC.

The Ancient Celts were a widespread group of people who inhabited Western and Central Europe. Monumental relics like the ancient helmet solidify the presence of the Celts in northern Poland. 

“Found in the northern part of Mazovia (northeastern Poland), it is a find completely isolated from the native lands of the Celts – southern Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Its presence, along with several dozen artifacts of La Tène origin (tools, women’s ornaments, clasps for fastening clothes), attest to the presence of Celts at this site,” Kaczyński continued. 

The reason for Celtic settlement in the north can be attributed to amber, according to Kaczyński, which he described as a “desirable commodity in the Mediterranean world.” 

The originally lined with leather or fabric, was discovered in a charcoal pit, alongside four iron axes. The item likely belonged to a Celtic elite and served a purpose beyond protection in military battle.

“Helmets, especially bronze ones, did not have a purely military function – thin sheet metal did not protect against the impact of spearheads, axes and swords. Visible and shiny from a distance, it indicated the exceptional position of the owner – most likely wealthy or in power – a kind of tribal ‘crown.’ This shows that far beyond the Celtic world there was a group of Celts, with a leader, administrator, who fulfilled a specific function – most likely guarding the trade route.”

During the 2024 research at Łysa Góra, the Celtic helmet was one significant find among nearly 350 discovered. 

Among other and jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings, Kaczyński said. Other artifacts found included “harness elements” that pointed to horse breeding in the area. 

As for the Celtic helmet, the artifact was found in poor condition, so restoration efforts at the Museum Conservation Department of the PMA are currently underway, which Kaczyński estimates to take around six months. 

Beginning in 2026, those who visit the will be able to see the ancient item on display.