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Archaeologists have accidentally discovered military graves during highway construction in central Europe, shedding light on a forgotten battle dating back hundreds of years.
The discovery was announced earlier this month by the Olomouc Archaeological Center (ACO), a research institute in the Czech Republic.
The mass grave was discovered along the 3.3-mile stretch of the D11 motorway, which connects the Northeast to the Northeast. Czech cities of Yaromesh and Trutnov.
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The ACO announced in a press release that the discovery was made after ammunition was discovered at the scene during a metal detecting investigation in September.
The oldest tombs date back to the Battle of Ziars in 1745 during the Second Silesian War, part of the War of the Austrian Succession.
Archaeologists have identified graves associated with the battles of Zyar in 1745 and Novy Rokitnik in 1866. (Olomouc Archaeological Center)
The three newer ones are believed to be related to the 1866 Battle of Novy Lokitnik as part of the Austro-Prussian War.
“Several people died from gunshot wounds to the head,” the ACO added. “The human bones and artifacts were taken to a research institute in Olomouc. Further analysis. ”
Photos from the scene show various artifacts dating back centuries, including the remains of uniforms and what looks like a fine comb.
“We found very well-preserved textiles and munitions inside the tomb.”
Archaeologists have unearthed a total of 12 human bones from the 18th-century tomb, but have not determined whether the soldiers were Austrian or Prussian.
Dozens of Austrian and Prussian soldiers have been identified at Novy Rokitnik battle-related graves, but officials said the skeletons were in “very poor condition”.
One mass grave in Austria contained 23 skeletons, and two separate graves in Prussia contained 10 skeletons.
“Very well-preserved textiles and military items were discovered in the graves, including parts of coats, parts of equipment, and personal effects of fallen soldiers. [in that grave]” said archaeologist Bartosz Dvoryaková.
Archaeologists said one of the mass graves could be related to the Second Silesian War (pictured on the left). (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images; Archeologické centrum Olomouc)
“A particularly interesting find is a silver pocket watch with a dog motif and a gold franc, minted in 1854.”
The Archeology Center said that this discovery was exceptional archaeological assemblage It enriches our understanding of both military conflicts. ”
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He continued: “This 18th century mass grave has not been recorded anywhere else and is considered unique in Europe.”
ACO archaeologist Mikaela Bartosz Dvoryakova said in an interview with FOX News Digital that the Second Silesian War tomb is the first of its kind in history. Central Europe.
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Dvorakova said these artifacts are very important because they show the “individuality” of the soldiers.
For example, a silver pocket watch in an Austro-Prussian tomb or a photo of the tomb of a saint from the Battle of Giards intrigued experts.
The Olomouc Archaeological Center called the discovery an exceptional find that enriches historical understanding. (Olomouc Archaeological Center)
“Other interesting items such as rings and other personal items [included a] coffee grinder Also military items, such as textile parts of military uniforms,” Dvoryakova added.
Archaeologists said they were surprised by the “good condition” of materials at the site, including textiles, leather, matches and metal objects.
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“Unfortunately, the condition of the bones was poor…” [It] It was important to have an anthropologist on site,” Dvorakova said.
The expert added that historical analysis is still in its infancy and future research will yield even more “excellent results.” historian, anthropologist and environmental activists.
Officials said fiber fragments from the military uniform were taken to a laboratory for further analysis. (Olomouc Archaeological Center)
“We have produced accurate documentation of these important discoveries in the field,” Dvořákova concluded. “We are now able to put this data to good use and make the results publicly available in the future.”
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Once the analysis is complete, the artifact is East Bohemian Museum In Hradec Králove, Czech Republic.
The soldier’s remains will be reburied “in accordance with applicable law,” the ACO said.
