During excavations at the Polish site of Wysa Gora, approximately 350 artefacts were unearthed, including a rare 2,300-year-old Celtic helmet, providing further evidence of the Celtic presence in northeastern Poland.
The Celtic helmet was discovered on Aug. 10, 2024, during an investigation conducted by the Warsaw Archaeological Museum in cooperation with the Department of Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, Dr. Bartlomiej Kaczynski, who led the excavation, told Fox News Digital in an email.
“This find is important because it is the first La Tène helmet to be found on Polish soil and only the second in history,” Kaczynski said, explaining that the first helmet was found in southern Poland more than 40 years ago and dates back to the 1st century BC.
In August, a rare ancient Celtic helmet believed to be thousands of years old was discovered. (National Archaeological Museum in Warsaw)
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The ancient Celts were a widespread ethnic group that occupied Western and Central Europe. The discovery of monumental remains, including an ancient helmet, further establishes their presence in northern Poland.
“The site was discovered in northern Masovian Voivodeship (northeastern Poland), completely isolated from the Celtic homeland in southern Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Together with dozens of artefacts from the La Tène region (tools, women's ornaments, clothing fastenings), it attests to the Celtic presence at the site,” Kaczynski continued.
According to Kaczynski, the reason the Celts settled in the north can be traced back to amber, which he described as “a desirable commodity in the Mediterranean world.”
The bronze helmet, originally lined with leather or cloth, was found in the mine along with four iron axes. It likely belonged to a Celtic elite and had a purpose beyond protection from harm in military combat.
The Celtic helmet was one of hundreds of ancient artifacts unearthed at Łysa Góra. (National Archaeological Museum in Warsaw)
Mother and son work in their garden while unearthing ancient artifacts often found near cemeteries
“Helmets, especially bronze helmets, did not only have a military function: a thin metal plate could not protect against the impact of spear points, axes or swords. They were a kind of tribal 'crown', visible from afar and shining, indicating the special status of their bearer (probably wealthy or powerful). This indicates that Celtic groups existed far beyond the Celtic world, had leaders and administrators and performed specific functions (probably guarding trade routes).”
During the Łsa Góra expedition in 2024, the Celtic helmet was a significant find as it was one of around 350 artefacts discovered.
Among the artefacts unearthed were iron tools and jewellery such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings, as well as “pieces of horse tack” indicating horses were kept in the area, Kaczynski said.
The Celtic helmet is currently undergoing restoration in the PMA’s Museum Conservation Department. (National Archaeological Museum in Warsaw)
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As for the Celtic helmet, the artifact was found in poor condition and restoration work is currently underway at the PMA's museum conservation department, which Kaczynski estimates will take about six months.
Starting in 2026, visitors to the National Archaeological Museum in Warsaw will be able to see these ancient objects on display.
