Ancient Amethyst Jewel from Medieval Era Uncovered in Castle's Moat in Poland
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a **rare medieval amethyst jewel** was found in the moat of Castle Kolno, located in southwestern Poland. Dating back to the early 14th to mid-15th century, the silver-gilt piece features a deep purple amethyst, believed to have been part of a brooch or a crown, and is significant due to its location outside of a tomb or hoard, which is rare for jewelry from the medieval era [1][2][3][4].
### A Brief History of Castle Kolno
Castle Kolno was built in the early 13th century by Duke Bolesław III of Brzeg as a fortress and noble residence, also serving as a customs post overseeing timber trade. Over the centuries, it changed hands multiple times, eventually falling into the possession of wealthy knights and local lesser nobility. Tragically, the castle was destroyed by fire in 1443 during civil wars in Silesia after the Hussite Wars, and has remained in ruins ever since [1][3].
### The Significance of the Jewel
The discovery of this high-status jewel in a domestic and settlement environment is highly unusual. Archaeologists believe it may have been lost accidentally, possibly during everyday travel, and was uncovered embedded in the sediment between wooden posts of a collapsed bridge crossing the moat [1][2][3][4]. The jewel may have belonged to a noble visitor or member of the aristocracy who was traveling to or from the castle.
### The Possible Owner
While the exact owner remains a mystery, the jewel's style and context suggest it belonged to a **noble individual visiting or residing at Castle Kolno**. This could potentially be someone connected to the dukes or wealthy knights who owned the castle during the 14th-15th centuries [1][2][3]. Its loss during routine travel offers a rare glimpse into the material culture and social practices of medieval Polish aristocracy.
In summary, the discovery of the medieval amethyst jewel at Castle Kolno offers exceptional insight into noble life and jewelry use in medieval Poland, deviating from typical archaeological expectations by appearing in a domestic context, not a burial or hoard [1][2][3][4]. The jewel's discovery is a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of Castle Kolno and the medieval era in Poland.
References: [1] http://www.scienceinpoland.pap.pl/en/articles/2012-12-12/10-years-of-excavations-at-castle-kolno [2] https://archaeology.org/issues/591-1613/features/1613-amethyst-jewel-discovered-in-poland [3] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/medieval-jewel-found-in-poland-could-have-belonged-to-a-noble-woman [4] https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210212-the-medieval-jewel-found-in-a-moat-in-poland
The intriguing discovery of the medieval amethyst jewel at Castle Kolno sheds light on the lifestyle and spiritual beliefs of the Polish aristocracy during the 14th-15th centuries, as it deviates from standard archaeological findings by being discovered in a home-and-garden setting, rather than a tomb or hoard [1][2][3][4]. This rare find also highlights the potential significance of travel in the science and interpersonal relationships of the medieval era, as the jewel may have been lost during everyday travel [1].
