Researchers surveying a site in Budyne nad Ohrí discovered a haul of bronze artefacts, including weapons and jewellery, believed to have been created around 1600BC.
The site is located around 40 kilometres from Prague and was discovered one year ago with a metal detector. A series of excavations have found eight arm rings, axes, two pins, and one spearhead dating to the Bronze Age.
During this time, Europeans shifted from fashion tools with stones to using bronze, an alloy created by mixing tin and copper.
Researchers are unsure why the collection was buried in that location, and archaeologist Martin Trefný offered Radio Prague International three theories.
“First, such hoards could be used as votive gifts or gifts to the deities. Second, the hoard was likely buried because of “some incident that happened in the village," he said.
“The third theory is that it could be a storage pit of some producer or trader."
He added: “For us, the historical and the scientific value is much higher than the financial value."
The bracelets were worn as forearm ornaments, while the pins were likely used to fasten clothing or to style women’s hair.
The artifacts will be displayed at the Podripské Museum in Roudnice nad Labem.
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