Polish archaeologists who discovered the grave of a German soldier discovered even more historical artifacts while exhuming the remains.
The grave was discovered in the Wdecki Landscape Park, a nationally protected area comprising several nature reserves in northern Poland. The soldier was buried near a lake and likely died in February 1945 while fighting for control of a bridge in Grzybek, Poland, according to a press release from the park posted on social media. Efforts began to recover the body.
“However, as it turned out during the exhumation, this place hid other secrets!” said the park.
Wdecki Landscape Park
As the park’s archaeological team worked to remove the body, they discovered a wealth of archaeological treasures.
Archaeologists have unearthed a collection of ancient ceramic pottery dating back to the Neolithic period, tools dating back to the Mesolithic period and coins from various moments in European history, some as old as the Roman and Byzantine. In total, around thirty pieces were found.
“Our hunters came across coins scattered from different eras and territories all over Europe, it was as if someone had dumped their coin collection right here!” said the park. The coins may have been collected by the German soldier, but Research in Poland, a branch of the Polish Agency for Academic Excellence, said there was no way to be sure.
Wdecki Landscape Park
The items found were in excellent condition, according to Research in Poland, and may have been preserved by the soil. The park noted that the Mesolithic era tools found at the site were the oldest ever found in the area.
Other expeditions will be carried out to continue exploring the site, the park said.
