In 2019, an amateur Polish archaeologist made an astonishing discovery that dates back 3,000 years – he unearthed a Bronze Age mace head near the town of Dukla in southeastern Poland. This find is rather baffling, as the mace head does not appear to belong to any of the known cultures that once inhabited this part of Poland. Furthermore, the mace head seems to have originated in the distant Middle East, adding to the mystery surrounding this remarkable artifact.
The Discovery of the Mace Head
The ancient object was found “during a licensed search of an area near Dukla by the Galicja Exploratory Historical Society,” according to The First News. This group of amateur archaeologists was looking for artifacts and objects from World War II, and during their investigations, they stumbled upon some shells and coins. It was then that one of them, amateur archaeologist Krzysztof Wiśniewski, who works in a local mine, discovered the mace head. Initially, he believed that he had found something from an old vehicle, such as a tractor, but it soon became clear that this was no ordinary find.
Bronze Age Weapon
The object was examined by a local expert, Dr. Wojciech Pasterkiewicz, who made a stunning discovery. The object was not from the Twentieth Century, but from 1000 BC. As The First News site quotes Dr. Pasterkiewicz, “We know it comes from that time because it fits in with the chronology of similar objects found in other regions.”
The archaeologist also revealed that the object was a mace head. It measures about 3 inches (10 centimeters) long, is made of bronze, and it is very well-preserved. The mace was a common weapon in the ancient world, and it was used by many cultures, including Ancient Egypt. The weapon was used to hit the enemy and often used to crush skulls. Their used continued well into the Middle Ages. According to the Archaeology News Network, they typically had “a strong, heavy, wooden or metal shaft, and a head made of stone, bone, copper, bronze, iron, or steel.”
When the item was made, bronze was rare, and it could only have belonged to a member of the elite. The mace was also a symbol of authority and would have been owned by a chieftain or even a king. Indeed, it remains a symbol of power today and can still be found in many Parliaments and Senates around the globe.
The Mysterious Origins of the Mace Head
It was easy for the archaeologist to determine what the object was and its date. However, it was far harder to determine who made the weapon and what were its origins. There are no similar examples of the object, dating from 1000 BC, found in this part of Europe. It does not appear to have originated from any of the societies that once inhabited the area.
According to The First News website, Dr. Pasterkiewicz believes that it is “impossible to say exactly where it came from, but it was most likely a Middle Eastern culture.” This is based on the similarities between the object and other maces that have been uncovered in the Middle East.
This raises an important question: Why was this object, that originated so far away, found in the south of Poland? It is possible that it may have found its way to the area via ancient trade routes. Interestingly, the site is located near the Dukla Pass in the Carpathian Mountains and would have been used by any invaders entering the region in the ancient past. The mace head may, therefore, have once been owned by a commander of a foreign army campaigning in the region some 3,000 years ago.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 3,000-year-old Bronze Age mace head in Poland is a remarkable find that has captured the imagination of archaeologists and historians alike. The mysterious origins of the weapon, with its apparent Middle Eastern roots, add to the intrigue and mystery surrounding this remarkable artifact. As further analysis is carried out on the bronze used in the mace head, it is hoped that more clues will emerge to solve the puzzle of how this ancient weapon found its way to the south of Poland. Regardless, this discovery serves as a powerful reminder of the rich and varied history that lies buried beneath the surface, just waiting to be uncovered.
