Celtic settlement discovered in Bohemia, Czech Republic

Archaeologists have discovered a massive ancient Celtic settlement in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. The find occurred during excavations for a new highway construction project near the city of Hradec Králové.

The site, covering approximately 25 hectares, dates back to the La Tène period, specifically established around the 4th century BC and flourishing around the 2nd century BC. Researchers noted that the settlement lacks fortified structures, suggesting it functioned as a commercial and production hub rather than a defensive stronghold. Its location indicates it likely sat along significant ancient trade routes.

The excavation has yielded tens of thousands of artifacts, including gold and silver coins, jewelry, pottery shards, and amber. Experts from the East Bohemian Museum, the University of Hradec Králové, and the archaeological research company Archaia Praha described the find as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the Czech Republic in recent years due to the sheer volume and diversity of the items.