Gold Bronze Age belt discovered by farmer in Opava

A farmer in the Czech part of Silesia, near Opava, discovered a 3,000-year-old gold artifact while harvesting sugar beets. The object, a highly decorated gold plate measuring 50 centimeters in length, 10 centimeters in width, and weighing 60 grams, was initially mistaken for a crushed metal ball.

Archaeologists from the Museum of Opava have identified the item as part of a ruler's belt rather than a crown or diadem. The artifact is made from a single, extremely thin sheet of gold featuring intricate decorations of concentric circles and triple edges. Experts noted that the technical skill required to produce such a delicate piece during the Bronze Age was immense.

The farmer reported the find to conservation authorities and will receive a state compensation equal to 20 percent of the artifact's market value. The piece will be added to museum collections.