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Recently, two hikers stumbled upon a remarkable cache of gold items and other treasures hidden in an overgrown field, sparking intrigue among historians and archaeologists alike. Officials are still trying to ascertain the origins of this fascinating trove.
The Museum of East Bohemia in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, announced that a significant “depot of gold coins, jewelry, and tobacco boxes” was uncovered. This trove weighs an impressive 15 pounds, highlighting the enormity of this discovery.
In February, the hikers turned in the treasure to the museum, ensuring its preservation for historical study.
The Discovery Location
During a nature walk on the southwestern slope of Zvičina Hill, the finders noticed two boxes integrated into an artificially created stone wall surrounding a now-nonexistent field that has reverted to forest.
According to a press release from the museum, photos depict stunning artifacts, including a variety of gold rings, bars, and coins, which have acquired a layer of varnish due to aging.
Details of the Treasure
In total, the treasure includes 598 coins, with the gold items neatly organized into a structure divided into 11 columns, wrapped securely in black fabric. Nearby, a metal box was found containing an assortment of historic artifacts. This includes 16 tobacco boxes, 10 bracelets, a fine wire mesh bag, a comb, a chain with a key, and a powder box.
Miroslav Novák, an archaeologist at the Museum of East Bohemia, expressed that this find is “a unique find” that contributes significantly to our understanding of regional history.
The Historical Context
Archaeological experts often note that burying valuable items to safeguard them, a practice known as ‘depot storage’, has been a tradition since prehistoric eras. Initially, this practice was rooted in religious beliefs. Over time, it shifted towards a means of securing property during times of instability.
Novák emphasized that the notable aspect of this find is its unusually large weight of precious metals.
Understanding the Age of the Treasure
What sets this discovery apart is its relatively recent creation. The oldest coins date back to 1808, according to Vojtěch Brádle, a coin specialist associated with the museum. He indicated that the treasure was buried for just over a century.
The coins range from 1808 to 1915, a timeline that has raised intriguing questions among numismatists. Brádle pointed out that the year 1915 might not be crucial for determining the period when the treasure was buried, given that certain markings suggest the coins were placed in the ground after World War I.
These marks, stamped on coins from the territory of former Yugoslavia during the 1920s and 1930s, offer essential clues regarding the origin of this treasure.
A Unique Collection
An interesting aspect of the trove is its composition. Brádle noted that in the context of domestic finds, this collection appears highly specific since it primarily includes coins of French origin, along with Austrian-Hungarian, Belgian, and Ottoman coins. Significantly, there are no German or Czechoslovak coins present.
Future Implications of the Find
The Museum of East Bohemia concluded its announcement by highlighting the potential this relatively recent discovery holds for historical research. The treasure trove presents complex but enriching opportunities for studying historical archival documents and their connections to Central European history.
This find not only offers insight into the past practices of treasure burial but also raises questions about the socio-political climate of the era during which these items were stored.
As researchers delve deeper into the implications of this treasure, the finders’ fortuitous discovery will undoubtedly contribute to a richer understanding of the Czech Republic’s historical narrative.
