Two bridges, a unique axe and a sword from the 10th century discovered in the Polish lake Lednica

Archaeologists have mapped the bottom of the western part of the Polish lake Lednica. They discovered the remains of bridges from the time of the first Polish rulers, as well as early and high medieval artefacts - including a silver-plated axe and a cross-adorned sword.

Lednice Island was an important point of the early Piast dynasty. It is located between the first Polish "capitals" of Hnezdno and Poznan, where the country's first bishop was also based. Scientists from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and experts from the Museum of the First Piasts in Lednice are conducting a systematic research in the lake and its surroundings since 1982, but the first research work took place here in the 1950s. Among the most recent discoveries so far is a 10th-century cross-decorated sword with the remains of a leather scabbard, which was discovered together with other interesting artefacts from the period of the early Piast dynasty.

Researchers have focused on an area near two bridges connecting the island to the coast, which were found in 2017. The younger bridge dates back to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, while the older one dates back to the early 10th century - the wood used for its construction was felled in 913 and 914. The bridges are a marvel in themselves - measuring several hundred metres long, they were truly impressive structures for their time.

Under their remains, archaeologists have newly uncovered a total of 21 objects, including an early medieval decorated sword and two axes, as well as a spearhead, arrowheads and a crossbow, along with a sickle from the 13th and 14th centuries. Head of the university's Centre for Underwater Archaeology Professor Andrzej Pydyn said: "The most amazing find of this research season is the eighth sword found in Lednica Lake; the first in 20 years. But also arrowheads, axes, including a decorated axe, which is probably one of the most amazing finds here. This is probably the richest season in a dozen years. Not only because of the number of objects, but also because of their value and the context in which they were found."

The remarkable sword and axe from the 10th century could not have belonged to an ordinary warrior; they were probably owned by someone of high status and power. The axe is inlaid and decorated with silver and was made in a style similar to typical Scandinavian products. The sword with a cross is a common motif in the European context, but a very rare find due to the place of discovery and the time of production. Other artefacts from under the bridges include period pottery and animal bones.

Researchers mapped the lake bed using photogrammetry, then created a detailed 3D model of the area. The method led experts to another discovery that offered new information about the role and size of the local settlement. The most valuable feature appears to be the remains of coastal fortifications, mainly solid oak beams. Their age was investigated by dendrochronological analysis, which confirmed that the trees were felled in 980 during the reign of Duke Mieszko I - the first ruler of Poland.

"The findings shed a whole new light on what was happening in the area. We are beginning to be sure that the whole area around Lednice Island was important not only in the time of the ruler Mieszko I, but also in the times of his father and grandfather," explained Professor Pydyn.

Roman Němec

Sources: radiopik.pl, wiadomosci.onet.pl, rmf24.pl