More than 100,000 archaeological artefacts have been uncovered during the construction of the S17 expressway in the Zamość region of eastern Poland.
The discoveries include clay vessels, stone and flint tools, Neolithic burial sites, and even mammoth remains—offering valuable insight into the area’s long and complex history.
The S17 route connects Warsaw with Lublin and is being extended towards the Polish–Ukrainian border in Hrebenne. As part of this major infrastructure project, archaeological surveys were commissioned and are being conducted under the supervision of heritage conservation authorities.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for archaeology. We are identifying a large number of sites across a wide area. We are acquiring a substantial amount of historical material, which is then analysed in terms of chronology, culture, production technology and ornamentation,” said Wiesław Koman, an archaeologist from the Zamość branch of the Voivodeship Office for the Protection of Monuments in Lublin.
Preliminary investigations began in November 2024. Since then, archaeologists have recovered tens of v of pottery fragments and tools, along with numerous traces of past settlements in areas such as Łabunie, Barchaczów, Tarnawatka, Bełżec, Kniazie and Lubycza Królewska.
“A large area is being uncovered, clearly showing the outlines of residential buildings, their location in relation to farm buildings, wells, and the location of cemeteries, particularly those from the Early Bronze Age. This presents a significant opportunity to conduct large-scale archaeological research,” added Koman.
The findings span multiple historical periods. Evidence ranges from modern-era remains (18th–19th centuries) and medieval settlements (8th–15th centuries) to early Slavic cemeteries, including cremation burials dating to the late 7th and early 8th centuries. Researchers believe Slavic populations arrived in the region around that time.
Even earlier finds are artefacts dating back to Roman times (2nd-4th century AD), Bronze Age pottery of Trzciniec (1700-1500 BC) and Neolithic burial grounds (2500-2000 BC). These contained amphorae, stone axes, spearheads and grinding tools—likely intended for use in the afterlife.
Among the most notable finds are mammoth bones discovered in Łabunie, tentatively dated between 100,000 and 12,000 BC. These Ice Age animals once roamed the region and were hunted by early humans, who used their tusks for construction and tools.
Excavations will continue throughout the construction process. So far, 22 sites remain to be examined, though more may be identified as work progresses. Many additional discoveries are expected, particularly around Old Zamość and the planned bypass area. All recovered artefacts will be studied and eventually transferred to museums.
Sources : Science In Poland (PAP)
