Polish Police Investigate Mystery of Largest Bronze Age Artefact Hoard Found

Police in Poland are searching for unknown criminals who stole more than 100 Bronze Age artefacts during an illegal excavation and then left them near a local historical society. The find, which includes 3,000-year-old jewellery and weapons, is now in the possession of the authorities.

‘This is one of the biggest treasures found in Poland in recent years,’ the police wrote.

Law enforcement officials believe that the items were found using metal detectors without the appropriate permission to conduct such a search.

The police first reported the problem after photos of the artefacts were sent by email to the Voivodeship Office for the Protection of Monuments (WUOZ) in Szczecin, northwestern Poland.

The people who had the items said they had been left by unknown persons outside the office of the local historical society in the Grifino district. The association has now handed over the entire find to WUOZ.

The hoard includes weapons, necklaces, shield tips, sickles and spearheads, as well as bronze and silverware. Once the proceedings are completed, WUOZ will determine where to place them.

They have filed a statement with the prosecutor's office alleging crimes over the search without consent and damage to historical monuments at the archaeological site. If found guilty, the offenders could face up to eight years in prison.