Underwater archaeologists from Nicolaus Copernicus University have exposed 4 remarkably well-preserved medieval spears withinside the waters round Ostrów Lednicki, an island withinside the southern phase of Lake Lednica in Poland.
Ostrów Lednicki is one of the maximum sizable archaeological and ancient webweb sites in Poland, frequently defined as a cradle of the early Piast state. The island served as a fortified stronghold (gród) below the guideline of thumb of Mieszko I and his son Bolesław I the Brave, the primary kings of Poland.
Researchers from the university`s Centre for Underwater Archaeology have lengthy explored the lake, which incorporates greater than 2 hundred guns formerly being found. In the trendy exploration, 4 medieval spears have been found courting to the tenth and eleventh centuries AD.
The smallest of the spearheads is rhomboidal in form with a part of its ash shaft, measuring approximately 2.1 metres, surviving intact. According to venture director Dr. Andrzej Pydyn, simplest different Lednica spears maintain comparable shaft fragments.
“The 2nd spearhead, slim and delicate, resembles a willow leaf – a form not unusualplace for the duration of early medieval Europe. Similar examples observed withinside the Lednica complicated can also additionally suggest nearby manufacturing and the region`s sturdy craftsmanship traditions,” stated a consultant of the Nicolaus Copernicus University.
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| Image Credit : Mateusz Popek |
The 1/3 spearhead, the longest of the group, became cast the usage of a complicated welding approach that mixed smooth and tough steels to supply advanced battlefield durability – proof of superior metallurgical skills.
The maximum brilliant discovery, however, is a richly adorned winged spearhead whose socket is intricately plated with gold, silver, bronze, and different metals. Spirals and triskelion motifs enhance its surface, suggesting the item functioned now no longer simplest as a weapon however additionally as a marker of rank or ritual importance.
“There`s no question that the weapon must be related to the elite warrior lifestyle of the flip of the tenth and eleventh centuries,” emphasises Dr. Matusz Popek.
“It`s feasible that the decorations served an figuring out function, permitting the weapon`s proprietor to be outstanding throughout ceremonies or battles, and additionally proven status and excessive social status. The presence of the sort of splendid item at Ostrów Lednicki in addition underscores the unique importance of this center, each politically and symbolically.”