Hikers accidentally finding treasure in Czechia and four other discoveries

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Throughout history, cultures have left behind a trail of breadcrumbs for archaeologists to follow. New sites and artifacts are found all the time, revealing forgotten secrets of the past.

Here are some of the latest discoveries:

Ancient Roman ruins seemed ‘typical’ — until ‘something more unusual’ emerged

In the southwestern United Kingdom, archaeologists discovered an ancient Roman kiln at the Centre Severn site near Gloucester. This “rare” and “exceptionally well-preserved” kiln is likely the first of its kind excavated in Gloucestershire, shedding light on Roman construction methods. The kiln, along with other finds like pottery and a burial, dates back to between 100 and 400 A.D. | Published April 30 | Read More |

Hikers find boxes under rocks in Czechia — and discover century-old treasures

In the Krkonoše Mountains of Czechia, hikers stumbled upon an aluminum can filled with gold coins and other treasures from the past century. The coins from multiple countries, dating from 1808 to 1915, were valued at about $340,000 and were likely stashed during a tumultuous period between world wars. | Published May 1 | Read More |

’Pointy bone’ found in Russia cave may be oldest of its kind in Europe. See it

In the Mezmaiskaya Cave in Russia, archaeologists found a “pointy bone” tool, believed to be a hunting projectile weapon crafted by Neanderthals. This bone tool, dating back 70,000 to 80,000 years, is considered the oldest of its kind found in Europe. The discovery provides insight into the early development of bone carving techniques by Neanderthals. | Published May 6 | Read More |

Defeated soldiers buried WWII flag in Poland forest. Duo found it 85 years later

In a forest near Zielone, Poland, two men uncovered a buried WWII-era banner, pennant, and ribbons belonging to the 4th Podhale Riflemen Regiment. These artifacts, hidden by soldiers defeated by Nazi forces, remained undiscovered for 85 years. The find is now preserved in a museum, and officials hope to search for other WWII artifacts known to be buried in the area. | Published May 7 | Read More |

Ancient Romans threw treasures into huge crater left by flood. See what remains

In Utrecht, Netherlands, archaeologists uncovered wooden posts and artifacts in a canal, revealing a story of an ancient Roman city’s reconstruction after a flood. The finds include a silver chain and a belt fitting, believed to be offerings thrown into a massive crater left by the disaster. Researchers suspect more treasures are hidden within the hole. | Published May 8 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of intriguing archaeological discoveries from around the globe. Check back to see the latest finds.

This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 12:36 PM with the headline "Hikers accidentally finding treasure in Czechia and four other discoveries."