Extensive archaeological excavations in the Slánsko region of the Czech Republic have uncovered a remarkable female burial, shedding light on the area’s thousands of years of history. The research, conducted by the Archaeological Centre Olomouc, revealed settlements and burial sites spanning from the Neolithic era to modern times.
A total of 467 archaeological features were documented, including 15 graves. One notable discovery is the burial of a young woman, approximately 20–30 years old, accompanied by a rich collection of bronze jewelry. Among the grave goods were a pair of bracelets, ankle ornaments, two bronze rings, and a Duchcov-type brooch with a free foot. The distinct designs of each piece suggest that the burial dates to the mid-4th century BCE, during the La Tène period.
Researchers are now conducting strontium isotope analyses to determine whether the woman was born locally or originated from elsewhere. DNA comparisons with other remains from the same period in the region will also help identify potential familial connections.
The excavations also uncovered five graves associated with the Corded Ware culture, including two children’s burials. In one child’s grave, a perforated deer tooth, known as a grandle, was placed—likely worn around the neck. Miniature axes and axe heads were also found. Traceological analyses will determine how these tools were used.
Other notable finds include a bronze brooch featuring a snake motif and typical La Tène ceramics, indicating the presence of Celtic communities in Slánsko during the 5th–4th centuries BCE.
Early medieval settlement traces were also discovered, including ceramics with characteristic wavy motifs and stone-lined graves. All artifacts are currently undergoing laboratory analyses at the Archaeological Centre Olomouc, including anthropological, traceological, and phosphate tests, to determine their age and function.
The finds will be presented to the public on November 8 at the Rychtařík Winery in Slaný, with a lecture led by Michaela Bartoš Dvořáková from the Archaeological Centre Olomouc.
The Slánsko excavations not only illuminate the region’s history but also reveal how different cultures lived, practiced rituals, and left their mark on this land over millennia.