Experts from the Olomouc Archaeological Center recently uncovered a large Celtic cremation burial site dating to the 3rd-2nd centuries BC. Recent excavations by experts from the Olomouc Archaeological Center have revealed a huge Celtic cremation grave dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. Besides this, skeletal graves belonging to the 9th-10th centuries AD were also discovered.

A large Celtic cremation burial site dating to the 3rd-2nd centuries BC was also found. The site also included an Early Stone Age settlement of the first farmers, dated around 5,000 BC. The discovery was made in Dluhonice near Prerov (a city in the Czech Republic) from mid-September to the end of November.

From mid-September until the end of the month, the discovery took place in Dluhonice (a town in the Czech Republic). The area measured approximately 250 x 15 meters. In the research area, a future road will be built to connect family homes. The contractor for the project is the city of Prerov, as per a press statement.

The press statement added that a key discovery in Dluhonice is a large necropolis from the Latene cultural period. Lead archaeologist Marek Kalabek said, "This is an exceptional find, as Celtic graves from other sites are usually skeletal and occur in lower numbers. Here we managed to uncover several dozen cremation graves, which is truly unique." Archaeologists discovered 33 graves of cremation, making this one of Central Moravia's most extensive burial grounds. However, some parts of the burial site got damaged due to deep plowing in the last century, making it difficult for archaeological intervention.

Additionally, the excavations revealed the grave of a Celtic warrior buried with his iron sword, spear, and belt, indicating his eliteness. "An iron sword with a double-edged edge, used for fighting or defense. On the blade of the sword, we found traces of dents and battering," said trailologist Michael Kamarad. The other graves, however, were modest, noted the statement. Most of these were small sunken pits "with a circular or rectangular plan with poor equipment in the form of fragments of metal artefacts and ceramics." It added that the equipment used by the deceased was made of ceramics, bronze, and iron, including a bronze buckle.

The analysis also found that Celts performed cremation rituals with such efficiency that small fragments were left behind. This is a problem that often arises when analyzing cremation burials. Experts say that their bodies were burned around 600°C.

Besides this, archaeologists also discovered Slavic skeletal graves and a double grave from the 9th and 10th centuries. These belong to the period of the Great Moravian Empire. Researchers also found deep chamber graves in Dluhonice. "According to the Christian burial method, the body was placed in the grave with the head facing west, with the lower limbs stretched out and mostly without rich equipment," noted experts.

One of the most interesting ones among these included the grave of a woman carrying a ceramic vessel, a chisel set, and an iron sickle with a wooden handle. Some of the other graves consisted of little jewelry, iron knives, ceramic vessels, and flint sets.

The oldest settlement, which numbered over 300 found objects, is associated with the culture of the first farmers living in the younger Stone Age, who are the bearers of the so-called cultures with linear ceramics. Experts discovered floor plans of long houses, storage pits, furnaces, and sunken pits. Clay from the pits was used to insulate wooden walls, and for furnace vaults. It also served as raw material for ceramics. Once the pits were no longer needed, they were usually filled with waste. Kalabek said, "We found numerous ceramics and flint chipped tools. We also discovered fragments of ground stone axes as well as mills to grind grain. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily lives of prehistoric people."

The experts added that they had examined 51 graves as well as 300 residential structures. As of now, they will hand the objects discovered to the Comenius Museum of Prerov. The artifacts, they say, will also help further research into Moravia.