Archaeologists Uncover Largest Bronze Age Burial Site in Central Moravia!
Archaeologists from the Archaeological Centre Olomouc (ACO) have made a groundbreaking discovery while conducting a rescue excavation along the planned route of the D35 highway between Křelov and Neředín, near Olomouc. They have uncovered the largest known Bronze Age burial site from the Nitra culture, dating from 2100 to 1800 BC. This remarkable find, which includes 130 graves, provides invaluable insights into the early Bronze Age culture of Central Moravia.
The excavation revealed not only the skeletal remains of individuals but also an array of burial items. These included copper ornaments, bone beads, stone arrowheads, copper rings, and bone awls. There were clear distinctions in how men and women were buried. Men were often interred with boar tusks and hunting tools, while women were laid to rest alongside jewellery and antler beads. Lead archaeologist Vendula Vránová commented, “Through laboratory analysis, we’ll be able to reconstruct details about their physical appearance, health, diet, genetic connections, and migration patterns.”
Photo Credit: Archaeological Centre Olomouc
One of the more intriguing aspects of the discovery was evidence of post-mortem manipulation of some bodies. This suggests that burial rituals continued even after death, reflecting a complex set of beliefs regarding death and the afterlife within the Nitra culture.
Coexistence with the Corded Ware Culture
In addition to the Nitra graves, the archaeologists also discovered burial sites from the Corded Ware culture, which coexisted with the Nitra culture around 2600 BC. Seventeen skeletal graves were uncovered, with four particularly notable for their depth and the richness of the grave goods found, including ceramic vessels, flint tools, and axes. Interestingly, the burial sites of the Nitra and Corded Ware cultures did not overlap, indicating mutual respect between these ancient peoples. Vránová explained, “The older graves were likely marked by burial mounds, and it appears that the younger culture respected these traditions.”
Four Millennia of Burial Traditions
Another significant find was uncovered near Křelov-Břuchotín, where evidence of four distinct burial periods spanning over 3,000 years was identified. This area was used for burial purposes from the Late Stone Age through to the 9th century AD, during the time of the Slavic Great Moravian Empire. Among the discoveries were skeletal graves from the Corded Ware culture and circular ditches, which are thought to be the remnants of wooden structures marking sacred burial spaces. This is only the fifth site in Central Moravia where such boundary ditches have been found.
One of the most remarkable finds was the grave of a Germanic warrior from the 3rd century AD. The warrior was buried with a shield and iron spear, marking the first discovery of its kind in Central Moravia. Additionally, researchers uncovered seven cremation graves containing metal jewellery linked to Celtic culture.
Photo Credit: Archaeological Centre Olomouc
The Next Phase of Research
The fieldwork, which took place between August 2023 and April 2024, has now entered a new phase. Researchers are preparing to conduct detailed laboratory analysis of the artefacts and skeletal remains, hoping to uncover further information about the ancient inhabitants’ physical traits, health, diet, and genetic relationships. Vránová noted, “Our fieldwork is complete, but we are now moving into the most crucial phase—detailed analysis and interpretation of the findings.”
This extraordinary discovery not only sheds light on the rich and diverse history of Central Moravia but also opens up new avenues for understanding the complex interactions between ancient cultures in the region.