Researchers discovered over 400 artefacts during the annual metal-detecting survey of the supposed site of the Battle of Grunwald (15 July 1410).

The Battle of Grunwald was a clash between the Kingdom of Poland allied with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and forces of German–Prussian Teutonic Knights, which resulted in most of the Teutonic Knights’ leadership being killed or taken prisoner. The survey of the area was undertaken fourth year in a row in order to pinpoint the exact area where the battle took place. Tens of detectorists and researchers from Poland and foreign countries took part in the investigation. As a result over 400 artefacts have been located, of which 300 are considered linked to the battle, including 85 arrowheads and 2 spearheads. An interesting find is also a seal depicting a pelican feeding with its chest the offspring in the nest , that is said to be possibly linked to the location of the shrine set up after the battle. It is believed to date to 16-17th centuries, and the pelican is a reference to the Eucharist – receiving the body of Christ. An similar ornament was known from the Teutonic castle of Malbork, where it is located over the well on the castle’s main courtyard. So far the researchers have surveyed over 120 hectares with use of metal detectors and plan to survey around 500 hectares more.

(after Nauka w Polsce & Tomasz Waszczuk)