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The archaeologist Arkadiusz Kurij has accidentally discovered a 2,500-year-old Iron Age Scythian harness in Poland. Source: Tytus Żmijewski / PAP

Complete 2,500-Year-Old Scythian Harness Discovered in Poland

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An archaeologist has made a remarkable discovery in Poland after forgetting to turn off his metal detector. The accidental discovery uncovered a complete Iron Age harness that is over 2,500 years old, as well as a rare axe. The discoveries are providing a window into the Iron Age in Central Europe in the 6 th century BC.

The amazing finds were made by Arkadiusz Kurij who was investigating the area of Mała Nieszawka with colleagues from the WELES Historical and Exploration Group in Cierpice near Toruń, not far from the Vistula River. Science in Poland reports that he was returning to a meeting point “after searching a nearby hill when his metal detector, which was still turned on, began beeping.” He immediately knew that he had found something of great significance and contacted the relevant authorities. He “carefully reburied the site to cover up evidence of digging should anybody with less noble intent happen upon it,” according to The History Blog.

Detail of bronze Scythian harness discovered near Mała Nieszawka in Poland. (Tytus Żmijewski / PAP)

Detail of bronze Scythian harness discovered near Mała Nieszawka in Poland. (Tytus Żmijewski / PAP)

Discovery is First of Its Kind in Central and Eastern Europe

Archaeologists came and examined the site, which was on a sandy hill and found a harness made of bronze sheets and wire. Although it was a complete harness, a small part was missing. This was probably because it was made of wood and had long since decayed in the earth. Dr. Jacek Gackowski of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń told Science in Poland that it “is the first find of this type in Central and Eastern Europe.”

Based on a preliminary analysis, the objects had been wrapped in burdock leaves and “folded into a leather bag,” reports Earth Chronicles. The artifact consists of several pieces that were linked by rings to form the harness. According to Science in Poland, Gackowski stated that the “preserved artefacts indicate that the bridle was very decorative, as evidenced also by the numerous tubular and ring-shaped harness parts made of sheet metal and wire.” It appears that the harness had not been lost but had been deliberately buried.

The Scythian harness discovered in Mała Nieszawka in Poland appears to be complete, and only a small part, which was probably made of wood, is missing. (Tytus Żmijewski / PAP)

The Scythian harness discovered in Mała Nieszawka in Poland appears to be complete, and only a small part, which was probably made of wood, is missing. (Tytus Żmijewski / PAP)

Evidence of Scythian Nomads Making Inroads in the Area

Based on the design of the harness it most likely was Scythian in origin. These were a war-like Iranian speaking people who dominated the Eurasian Steppe. They were possibly making inroads in the area in the 6 th century BC, when it was occupied by the people of the Lusatian culture. The Lusatians were very important in the Baltic amber and metal trade. It is known that they were often in conflict with the Scythians.

In the past, several Scythian weapons and artifacts have been found in the general area. It is possible that the nomads arrived in the area through the Moravian Gates, a pass in what is now Czechoslovakia. Science in Poland reports Gackowski as saying that the finds indicate some “dramatic events that could have occurred between the local population and culturally alien, horse-riding visitors from far away.”

But That’s Not All. Nomad’s Axe Found Too!

Apart from the Scythian harness, the archaeologists also found a locally-produced axe. It is of a type known as a socketed axe. Wojciech Sosnowski, who works in the Office for Monument Protection, told Science in Poland that “it is difficult to answer why or how the axe was in the bag.” The harness and the axe may have been hidden during a period of conflict or migration. The heavy items may have been buried as they could have been slowing down a horse.

It seems likely that whoever buried the valuable items intended to return and retrieve them at some point but was unable to do so. They would likely have been re-used. It is assumed that the Synthian harness would have been re-melted and used in the manufacture of other items.

The harness and the axe have been removed and they will be analyzed by an interdisciplinary team. Their efforts may reveal more Iron Age secrets. In Science in Poland, Sosnowski explains that these studies will allow experts “among other things, to determine the exact time when the treasure was buried.” Thanks to the accidental find by the archaeologist and his metal detector, the harness is expected to eventually go on display in a local museum.

Top image: The archaeologist Arkadiusz Kurij has accidentally discovered a 2,500-year-old Iron Age Scythian harness in Poland. Source: Tytus Żmijewski / PAP

By Ed Whelan

 
 

Comments

They probably came into Poland north of the Carpathians from the Ukraine but the Lusatians were probably a Scythian tribe maybe non nomadic check the DNA.

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Ed

My name is Edward Whelan and I graduated with a PhD in history in 2008. Between 2010-2012 I worked in the Limerick City Archives. I have written a book and several peer reviewed journal articles. At present I am a... Read More

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