Toušen sword: A rare sword from the 10th century was found near Čelákovice
The thousand-year-old was found by pure chance during the cleaning of the Malvíny water reservoir in Lázní Toušeň near Čelákovice at the end of 2016. “During the cleaning, our expert archaeological supervision was also taking place, but an unnamed machinist from the company that carried out the work came across the sword, which was extremely lucky. because ten a mud-encrusted sword might look more like an ordinary stick to some“, archaeologist Pavel Snítilý from the Municipal Museum in Čelákovice, which has the sword in its collections, told Blesk.
“I have been a swordsman for twenty years and have an active interest in weapons, so my knees almost gave way when I realized what I was honored with.” the archaeologist revealed. The artefact was subsequently carefully examined, cleaned and conserved at the Prague Institute of Archaeology, so that it would remain as long and as well preserved as possible. “There are only ten other swords close to us known to us in Europe,” added Snítilý to this.
Sword of the Greats
The results of the investigation show that the early medieval sword dates from the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries. “The braided decoration of the hilt is typical of the so-called Varangian region, i.e. the north of today’s Poland and Ukraine. The weapon probably reached us,” explained Snítilý.
Exactly how the sword was lost remains shrouded in mystery. “The weapon was found near the former hillfort. The luxurious decoration of copper, brass and silver indicates that it belonged to someone from the ranks of the social elite of the time. Whether the owner lost it in battle or by accident is unknown,” the archaeologist concluded.
To be seen in 3 years
Anyone who would like to see the Toušenský sword in person will have to wait a while. “The artifact will become the centerpiece of the upcoming new permanent exhibition in Čelákovice. But first, our museum must be reconstructed, which will take about 3 years,” says Snítilý.
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Toušen sword.
Author: Blesk: Alexandr Malachovský