Archaeological excavations along the planned Prague bypass near Nupaky in Central Bohemia, Czech Republic, have uncovered a treasure trove of historical artifacts dating back millennia.

        Aerial photograph of the excavation area. Credit: Institute of Archaeology                                at the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic

Researchers from the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) have discovered evidence of a 7,000-year-old settlement, a Hallstatt-era village and medieval gold-searching paintings, which shed light on human activity in the region from the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages. .The oldest finds include eight long column-shaped structures dating from the Late Neolithic to the Early Chalcolithic, around the second half of the 6th millennium BC. settlements, were accompanied by storage and waste pits, as well as a prehistoric stone-processing workshop.

              Floor plan of one of the long houses, photographed using a drone.                        Credit: Osina Archeo / Institute of Archaeology at the Academy of                           Science of the Czech Republic

Monika Psohlavcová, head of the research team at the CAS Institute of Archaeology, explained: "Numerous stone swords or axe hammers, their semi-finished products and unfinished products testify to the presence of a local workshop that processed the polished stone industry."

         Glass beads. Credit: ARÚ AV ČR, Prague / Institute of Archaeology at the                                       Academy of Science of the Czech Republic


          Example of stamped ceramic decoration found inside the homes. Credit:              ARÚ AV ČR, Prague / Institute of Archaeology at the Academy of Science               of  the Czech Republic

The site also revealed the remains of a Hallstatt-era village dating back to the 5th century BC, with archaeologists identifying ten partially submerged houses, as well as pit dwellings, water troughs, and the remains of above-ground structures. Among the artifacts found were large kitchen vessels, finely decorated pottery, iron and bronze tools, and clay and glass beads. The discovery of a kylix handle, a wine vessel known from the Adriatic region, and glass beads suggest indirect contact with the Mediterranean.

Researchers suggest that giant circular holes may have been used for gold prospecting in the 13th century. Credit: Institute of Archaeology at the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic

“Along with the discovery of the bronze horse phalerae [ornamental decorations], the kylix handle indicates the presence of a high-ranking member of the local community,” Psohlavcová added in a press release from the Institute of Archaeology.In another section of the excavation, researchers discovered several dozen circular pits, measuring between 2 and 5 meters in diameter and up to 12 feet deep. These pits, which date back to the 13th century, are believed to be related to gold mining activities. Psohlavcová noted that the location of the pits corresponds to the historic gold mines of Jílové u Prahy, located about nine kilometers away, suggesting that medieval miners were searching for gold in the gravel and sand terraces of the Pitkovický stream.

Some of the objects discovered during the excavations. Credit: Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic

Excavations, which began in May as part of preparations for the construction of the Prague Ring Road, have so far uncovered more than 9,000 objects. The construction of the ring road aims to reduce traffic congestion around Prague by connecting major highways and is scheduled for completion in 2027.