# Archaeological discoveries in Poland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-archaeological-discoveries-in-poland
> Updated: 2026-09-16T06:38:01.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Archaeological research in Poland has highlighted various historical findings ranging from the 11th to the 17th centuries.

In the Mazowieckie region, researchers discovered a rare 11th-century sword scabbard fitting, or chape, which may indicate historical trade links with the Baltic region or ancient Rus. Additionally, ground-penetrating radar in Kamień Pomorski has identified remains of an ancient temple, crypts, and a possible baptistery beneath a local cathedral, with experts suggesting the site could hold the burial of an early Pomeranian ruler.

Further studies in Pień focused on a 17th-century burial of a young woman, nicknamed ‘Zosia’. The grave contained specific anti-demonic protective measures, such as a sickle placed around the neck and a padlock attached to a toe, suggesting local fears of the deceased rising to cause misfortune. Despite these measures, evidence of silk bands with silver suggests the individual was likely from a wealthy or aristocratic family.

Recent excavations at the Pień site have uncovered additional unusual child burials. One grave contained the lower portion of a child’s skeleton buried face down, with the legs secured into the ground using an iron rod. In another instance, a boy’s grave was found with heavy stones placed on his shoulders and abdomen. While researchers suggest these ritualistic practices may have been intended to prevent the deceased from returning, they note these findings do not definitively classify the site as a ‘vampire cemetery’ and could have religious explanations. To date, archaeologists have examined over 100 graves at the site involving various unusual items such as locks, sickles, and stones.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Archaeological discoveries in Poland reveal medieval artifacts and potential royal burials

Archaeologists in Poland have uncovered an 11th-century sword scabbard in Mazowieckie and identified potential ancient royal burial sites and older church structures beneath the Kamień Pomorski Cathedral.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archaeological-discoveries-in-poland-reveal-medieval-artifacts-and-potential-royal-burials

### 2026-09-09: Archaeologists study 17th-century ‘vampire’ burial in Poland

Archaeologists in Poland have analyzed a 17th-century grave featuring a sickle and padlock, suggesting a young woman from a wealthy family was buried with anti-demonic measures to prevent her from rising.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archaeologists-study-17th-century-vampire-burial-in-poland

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Cite as: Archaeological discoveries in Poland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-archaeological-discoveries-in-poland