Archaeologists uncover unusual war graves with treasures in the Czech Republic
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Archaeologists have stumbled upon dozens of military cemeteries during the construction of a major road in Central Europe – shedding light on forgotten battles dating back centuries.
The discovery was announced earlier this month by the Archaeological Center Olomouc (ACO), a research center in the Czech Republic.
The mass graves were found along the 2.3-kilometer D11 highway between the northeastern Czech towns of Jaroměř and Trutnov.
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They were found after metal detectors turned up bullets at the site in September, the ACO said in a press release.
The oldest cemetery dates back to the Battle of Žďár in 1745 during the Second Silesian War, part of the War of the Austrian Succession.
Archaeologists have identified graves connected to the 1745 Battle of Žďár and the 1866 Battle of Nový Rokytník. (Archeological center Olomouc)
These three new ones are linked to the 1866 Battle of Nový Rokytník, as part of the Austro-Prussian War.
“A number of people died as a result of being shot in the head,” the ACO added. “The remains and artefacts have been transported to laboratories in Olomouc for further analysis.”
Photographs from the site show a variety of artifacts found over the centuries, including remains of uniforms and what appear to be fine tooth combs.
“We found well-preserved textiles and military equipment in the tomb.”
In all, archaeologists have unearthed 12 bones from the 18th-century grave, although they do not know whether the soldiers were Austrian or Prussian.
Dozens of Austrian and Prussian soldiers have been identified in the Battle of Nový Rokytník-related graves, although officials said the skeletons were “in very poor condition.”
One Austrian grave contained 23 bones, and two separate Prussian graves contained 10 bones.
“We found well-preserved textiles and military items in the tomb, such as parts of coats, equipment, and belongings of fallen soldiers. [in that grave],” archaeologist Bartoš Dvořáková said.
Archaeologists say one of the many tombs can be linked to the Second Silesian War (shown on the left). (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; Archeologické centrum Olomouc)
“The most interesting find is a silver pocket watch with a dog motif and a golden franc made in 1854.”
The archeology center said the find “represents a unique combination of archeology that advances our understanding of both conflicts.”
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It continued, “This large 18th-century tomb has never been documented elsewhere and is considered a European rarity.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital, ACO archaeologist Michaela Bartoš Dvořáková said that the tomb of the Second Silesian War is the first to be excavated in Central Europe.
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Artifacts are very important because they reflect the “personality” of soldiers, Dvořáková said.
For example, a silver pocket watch from an Austro-Prussian tomb attracted the attention of experts, as well as portraits of saints from the Battle of Žďár Tomb.
The Archaeological Center Olomouc called this discovery a unique combination that improves the understanding of history. (Archeological center Olomouc)
“Other interesting things like rings and other personal items [included a] A coffee mill and military equipment such as parts of uniform fabrics,” added Dvořáková.
The archaeologist noted that they were surprised by the “good condition” of the objects found at the site, including textiles, leather, matches and metal objects.
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“Unfortunately the bones were in bad shape… [It] it was important to have an anthropologist on site,” said Dvořáková.
The expert added that the historical analysis has just begun, and more “good results” will come from working with historians, anthropologists and environmentalists.
Pieces of fabric from the soldiers’ uniforms have been transported to laboratories for further analysis, officials said. (Archeological center Olomouc)
“We have made on-site, accurate documentation of these important findings,” concluded Dvořáková. “Now, we can work well with this data and, in the future, present the results to the public.”
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Once the analysis is complete, the artifacts will be sent to the Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
Soldiers’ bodies will be reburied “in accordance with applicable law,” the ACO said.
