16 October 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

A rare reliquary discovered during excavations in Poland

Archaeologists have unearthed a rare enkolpion -a medallion with an icon in the center worn around the neck by Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic bishops- in Woźniki, located in the Lubliniec district of Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship.

Archaeologists, including researchers from the University of Łódz, have unearthed a remarkable enkolpion, a cross-shaped reliquary, during their excavations. These relics were discovered in what is believed to be a knightly residence dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

The 2023 season marked the first comprehensive exploration of the site, led by Dr. Piotr Strzyż, a professor at the University of Łódz. The 2023 season was the first fully systematic examination of the relics of the mound – the knight’s seat.

Archaeologists found, among others: clay vessels and iron objects constituting the equipment of the manor – they included door fittings, a padlock, a key, nails, hooks, staples, and a carder. The military function of the object was confirmed by such monuments as three iron stirrups, part of a horseshoe, several crossbow bolt heads, and fragments of a cord. Several silver coins and elements of a belt suit were also discovered.

Archaeological works in Woźniki - archaeological site, bird's-eye view. Source: Institute of Archeology of the University of Lodz
Archaeological works in Woźniki – archaeological site, bird’s-eye view. Source: Institute of Archeology of the University of Lodz

The exceptional find in Woźniki is an enkolpion crafted from a copper alloy. These reliquaries, worn by Christians on their chests, typically housed relics or quotes from the Holy Scriptures. Due to its delicate state, the enkolpion has been entrusted for restoration in Wrocław.



📣 Our WhatsApp channel is now LIVE! Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates, just click here to follow us on WhatsApp and never miss a thing!!



Excavations at Woźniki have exposed the remains of the lower level of a wooden building with a domed furnace, which likely heated the residence, initially a princely court at the end of the 13th century and later a private knight’s dwelling.

The stronghold in Woźniki, whose origins can be tentatively dated to the end of the 13th century, most likely burned down around the first half of the 15th century.

The first serious research in this place was carried out in 1957 by employees of the Archeology Department of the Upper Silesian Museum in Bytom. “Unfortunately, despite the confirmation of the historic character of the stronghold as a result of research, the site was still destroyed by agricultural activity” – point out the authors of the article.

PAP

Cover Photo: Institute of Archeology of the University of Lodz

Related Articles

Egyptian Pharaoh Slain in Battle Because of the Hippos

17 February 2021

17 February 2021

The mummy of Pharaoh Seqenenre Taa II, found in 1880, was re-analyzed. When it was found, the deep wounds on...

Did Archery Begin in Asia? 80,000-Year-Old Arrow Push Archery’s Origins from Africa to Asia

5 September 2025

5 September 2025

A remerkable discovery in the foothills of Central Asia may push the origins of bow-and-arrow technology back by thousands of...

The Americas’ oldest known bead discovered near Douglas, Wyoming

9 March 2024

9 March 2024

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known bead in the Americas at the La Prele Mammoth site in Converse County, United...

An ancient bronze hand may be the oldest and longest example of Vasconic script

20 February 2024

20 February 2024

Researchers have discovered rare evidence of an enigmatic ancient language on a 2,000-year-old bronze hand. The inscription on the hand...

Rare Beetle Ornament Found in 2,500-Year-Old Hallstatt Period Child’s Burial

9 September 2025

9 September 2025

Archaeologists working in south-west Poland have made a remarkable discovery: a funerary ornament crafted from beetle parts, buried with a...

One of the oldest known mosques in the world uncovered in Israel

23 June 2022

23 June 2022

A team of Israeli archaeologists has discovered what is one of the oldest known mosques in the world. Israeli archaeologists...

Researchers found evidence of the use of medicinal herbs in the Grotte des Pigeons Cave in Morocco dating back 15,000 years

5 November 2024

5 November 2024

Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage has announced an important discovery that will enhance our understanding of ancient healing...

Luxurious Ancient Roman Home With Magnificent Mosaic Wall uncovered between the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill

14 December 2023

14 December 2023

Archaeologists have uncovered a luxurious Roman home between Rome’s Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, boasting an “unparalleled” mosaic featuring...

Archaeologists Reveal Earliest Suburbs of Glasgow Beneath Gallowgate

4 October 2025

4 October 2025

Archaeologists in Glasgow, Scotland, have uncovered rare traces of the city’s earliest medieval suburbs during excavations in the Gallowgate district,...

Roman-era structures unearthed in northwestern Turkiye dam site rescue excavations

18 May 2024

18 May 2024

Rescue excavations at the Reşitköy Dam site in the northwestern Turkiye province of Balıkesir have unearthed Roman structures, including a...

Unique Gold Artefacts of Thracian Horseman Found in Bulgaria

23 August 2024

23 August 2024

The Topolovgrad Municipality posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday that during excavations at the site of a Thracian warrior’s...

Researchers find 3,000-year-old shark attack victim in Japan

24 June 2021

24 June 2021

In a paper published today, Oxford-led researchers reveal their discovery of a 3,000-year-old victim—attacked by a shark in the Seto...

Astonishing Find in the Czech Republic: Hikers Discover a 3.7 Kilogram Serbian/Bosnian Gold Treasure

29 April 2025

29 April 2025

A leisurely hike on the slopes of Zvičina Hill in the Czech Republic turned into an extraordinary discovery for two...

Well-preserved 2,000-year-old Chime Bells (Bianzhong) discovered in China

3 September 2023

3 September 2023

A total of 24 well-preserved Chinese bianzhong (chime bells) in two sets from the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC)...

1500-Year-Old Petroglyphs Found in Central Iran

13 April 2021

13 April 2021

Researchers have discovered 70 petroglyphs carved into the rock that they think is from the Sassanid era. The petroglyphs were...