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What the 800-year-old treasures of Prince Svyatopolk, recently found in the middle of the field, told the scientists
What the 800-year-old treasures of Prince Svyatopolk, recently found in the middle of the field, told the scientists

Video: What the 800-year-old treasures of Prince Svyatopolk, recently found in the middle of the field, told the scientists

Video: What the 800-year-old treasures of Prince Svyatopolk, recently found in the middle of the field, told the scientists
Video: 10 Ancient Lost Civilizations Scientists Can't Explain! - YouTube 2024, May
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In Poland, according to archaeologists, they found the most intriguing treasure of the Princely era. Elegant gold rings and thousands of medieval silver coins have been discovered right in the middle of a cornfield. Experts associate the treasure with Maria Dobronega, the daughter of the Grand Duke of Kiev Svyatopolk. A curious history of the treasure, which historians call the dowry of the Russian princess, and the opinions of historians, further in the review.

The treasure in the corn

Dr. Adam Kendzierski and his colleagues dug up a 12th century ceramic pot. The vessel was filled to the brim with silver and gold coins and jewelry. Found a treasure in a small Polish village Sluszkow, which is not far from Kalisz, in a corn field. Archaeologists went there for excavations after talking with a local priest.

The discovery was made by archaeologist Dr. Adam Kendzersky
The discovery was made by archaeologist Dr. Adam Kendzersky

Thousands of silver coins and ingots, jewelry, including gold wedding rings, were placed in linen bags and placed in a basket. Then all this was sealed in an earthen vessel. Although the top is no longer there, the pottery and its contents are in excellent condition. In total, experts counted 6,500 items.

A team of archaeologists at the site of the find in the Polish village of Sluszkow in a corn field
A team of archaeologists at the site of the find in the Polish village of Sluszkow in a corn field

The coins known as "denarius cross" are minted with the image of a large cross. The origin and circulation of these coins can be traced back to the late 11th century or early 12th century, experts say. Gold rings are decorated with precious stones. The largest of them is polygonal.

Found rings, two of which are wedding rings
Found rings, two of which are wedding rings
The engraving is visible on the rings
The engraving is visible on the rings

The treasure was found quite by accident. In fact, the curious expert was looking for a completely different treasure! Namely, a find long dug back in 1935. He was interested in the exact location. To find out the details, Kendzerski met with a local priest, Rev. Jan Stakhoviak. While photographing in the area, he mentioned rumors he had heard from pre-war treasure hunters. They told him from another treasure, which is also buried somewhere here.

Medieval treasure
Medieval treasure

The archaeologist armed himself with a metal detector and spent several days in search of an ancient treasure under the guidance of the monk. They managed to survey three huge plots of land, but found nothing. After that, Stakhovyak took the team of archaeologists to a cornfield next to the road. And then luck finally smiled at them! The pot was only thirty centimeters deep. The Volunteer Fire Service was involved in guarding the site.

Treasure has romantic origins

Who did this incredible treasure belong to? Experts have found clear signs of royal origin in the treasures. They put forward a version that this could be a dowry of the Russian princess Maria Dobronega. The experts' assumption is based on the fact that there is an inscription in Cyrillic on the ring: "Lord, help your servant Mary."

Maria Dobronega
Maria Dobronega

Cyrillic means the Slavic alphabet. Who is Maria? Historians believe that this is none other than the Russian princess. At that time, the Polish prince from the Piast dynasty, Boleslav III Krivousty, had a wife named Zbislava. Her sister Maria was also married to a Pole - the grandee of Peter Vlostovich. Scientists suggest that both princesses are daughters of Svyatopolk Izyaslavich, the Grand Duke of Kiev.

Great Kiev prince Svyatopolk Izyaslavich
Great Kiev prince Svyatopolk Izyaslavich
Kiev at the time of Prince Svyatopolk
Kiev at the time of Prince Svyatopolk

How did the treasure end up underground? Experts say that there were civil wars in Poland at that time. There are historical records about how the nobleman Pyotr Vlostovich captured Prince Volodar Przemysl. Vlostovich is the spouse of that very Maria Dobronega.

Was this actually part of Mary's dowry? Historians admit that this hypothesis is incredibly attractive, but it has not yet been tested. In any case, the presence of such an amount of gold speaks of the rather serious status of its owner.

A small Polish village is now almost a legend

This is definitely good news for a Polish village. Already one large find is quite impressive. But two are definitely something very special. The intriguing story of the treasure gives the whole situation a truly royal splendor. It also reveals more fully the role of this area in the ancient glorious past of Poland.

All items found are carefully examined. So there will be more information on the treasure. Perhaps, in the very near future, experts will be able to dispel all doubts completely. Kendzierski believes that this is in any case "one of the most intriguing treasures found in Poland." Sometimes the biggest discoveries are waiting patiently right under someone's nose. Who knows what other treasures are hidden underground, in the most seemingly inappropriate and completely ordinary places.

If you are interested in ancient history and treasures, read in our other article, what the unique Celtic artifact, accidentally found in the mud, told the scientists.

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