An extraordinary archaeological discovery has come to light in Gdynia, Poland, where a routine infrastructure project unearthed something no one expected: prehistoric burial mounds dating back more than 2,500 years. Found during the construction of a bypass road near the Witomino area, the site revealed three burial mounds (known as kurgans) containing seven tombs associated with the Lusatian and Pomeranian cultures, which thrived during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
This marks the first systematic study of such funerary structures within the city limits, offering rare insights into ancient human activity in the area. The discovery was made as part of a salvage excavation effort, since the roadwork was intersecting known archaeological zones.
Archaeologists identified a variety of burial types, including stone-lined cist graves, cremation pits, and other funerary constructions — each shedding light on the burial practices of early European societies.
What the Excavations Revealed
In one of the mounds, researchers uncovered a stone tomb containing an urn burial, a hallmark of the Lusatian culture, which flourished from around 1300 to 500 BCE. This culture is known for its urnfield cemeteries and fortified settlements.
Interestingly, a second cremation burial was found directly above the original grave, indicating that the mound had been reused centuries later by a different group — a practice that suggests the site retained spiritual or cultural importance over a long period of time.
The second mound yielded more graves attributed to the Pomeranian culture, which followed the Lusatian and was active between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE. Among the most striking finds was a face-shaped funerary urn, a ceramic vessel with human-like features — a distinct element of Pomeranian funerary tradition.
In the third mound, archaeologists uncovered additional ceramic fragments and cremated human remains. Excavations are still ongoing.
Outside the mounds, the team also found a bronze axe, likely part of a ritual offering, adding to the significance of the discovery.
Cultural and Historical Context
Experts believe these burial mounds reflect a continuity of sacred practices across cultural transitions. The reuse of the same site by successive groups suggests it held enduring spiritual or ceremonial significance.
Maciej Stromski, the lead archaeologist overseeing the excavation, emphasized:
“The stratified burial layers from different periods show a profound respect for these sites. Beyond their role as cemeteries, they were sacred spaces — likely linked to local beliefs about continuity, memory, and connection to the past.”
The Lusatian culture, which spanned large parts of present-day Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, is noted for its advanced metallurgy and organized social structures. Its successor, the Pomeranian culture, preserved many of the same burial traditions but also introduced new symbolic forms — such as anthropomorphic urns.
Ongoing Archaeological Work
Construction on the portion of the bypass intersecting the burial site has been temporarily halted to allow for further excavation and documentation. Archaeologists estimate that work will continue for another two to three weeks, with the area currently under official protection to prevent disturbance.
Local authorities have expressed support for the archaeological efforts and confirmed that measures are being taken to preserve the most important findings. A representative from the Gdynia municipal council noted that select artifacts may be exhibited in local museums or used in educational programs aimed at promoting the region’s early history.
Meanwhile, construction on other sections of the bypass — which is designed to ease traffic congestion — will proceed as planned.
Why This Discovery Matters
This find adds to a growing list of prehistoric archaeological sites in northern Poland, a region rich in history but increasingly constrained by urban development. It also highlights the importance of integrating archaeological assessments into infrastructure projects, ensuring that heritage preservation and modernization can go hand-in-hand.
The burial mounds unearthed in Gdynia offer a rare window into the funerary traditions of early European cultures, connecting the modern city to a distant and spiritually rich past. The artifacts associated with the Lusatian and Pomeranian peoples don’t just illustrate ancient rituals — they reflect a deeper cultural continuity and reverence for sacred places.
As analysis and conservation continue, researchers hope to gain a fuller understanding of the people who once lived here — their cultural practices, their beliefs, and how they shaped the historical landscape we see today.
