1. Celts in Nowa Cerkiew near Opole (Silesia) in Poland
In the first half of the 3rd century BC groups of Celts began to arrive in southern Poland. Evidence of Celtic settlement has been found in a few places, among others in the Glubczyce Highlands near Opole (Silesia). This place was on the Amber Road, an ancient trade route for the transfer of amber from coastal areas of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
The Celtic hoards were found in a village called Nowa Cerkiew. The Celtic coin discoveries in this area represent the largest concentration of Celtic coins in Poland. 69 coins including 17 golden were found here. This discovery is unique because we found totally 150 Celtic coins in Poland. Small pieces of gold ready to put into a mould were found too. It is said that Celtic staters were also minted in this area and this enclave was a mercantile center till the end of 2nd century BC when the Celts left it. It is said that the gold and silver coins were not gathered in one place; they were dropped and lost by quite rich people. The coins were small; their diameter was about 5 mm. The Boii moulded coins with Athina on them who wore a corint helmet while the Celts at Nowa Cerkiew modified them and put only a helmet on their coins. Bronze figures, cobalt glass and saprolite bracelets, beads, large number of graphitic ware type of pottery were found here together with a pit house and 22 leavings of Celtic houses. One of the figures was unusual. Originally it was yellow and golden with black eyes. It hung on the end of a belt – a bronze chain popular among Celtic women. There was also a grave dated back to 4th century BC surrounded by a ditch where tiny gifts such as pieces of jewelry were gathered. Archeologists say it was a grave of a local hero, maybe the founder of the enclave.
By Primary School number 3 with Integrated Classes in Lubsko in Poland
