During the construction of the S17 expressway near Zamość in Poland, remains of a medieval settlement were discovered along the route.
Archaeologists found traces of a permanent settlement, including residential buildings, ceramics, tools, and animal bones. Among the artifacts uncovered are hundreds of fragments of pottery dated to the 14th-15th centuries, which dominate the finds.
Interestingly, the first mention of the village of Łabunie appears only in documents from 1428, suggesting that the discovered artifacts may date back to before this written record.
These findings may change the perception of the history of Zamojszczyzna, as they indicate the existence of the oldest known signs of settlement in the vicinity of Zamość, possibly predating written history.
Comprehensive archaeological studies were initiated between the Zamość East and Zamość South junctions, covering section number 6 of the S17 route from Piaski to Hrebenne. The area where the settlement traces were found is located in the valley of the Łabuńka River and has been under conservation protection for years as part of the archaeological site AZP 90-89/9-8.
The Voivodeship Office for the Protection of Monuments ordered excavations to be carried out before construction began due to the planned road cutting through this protected area. The excavation work is being conducted by the company Robert Prawniczak APB THOR Sp. z o.o. from Gniezno on behalf of the Lublin branch of the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways.
Initially, 110 ares were examined, but due to the increasing number of finds, the excavation area was expanded to nearly 3 hectares. The research was led by archaeologist Mgr Przemysław Szelest. So far, 220 archaeological sites have been documented.
Among the documented sites are traces of rectangular residential buildings measuring about 5 by 6 meters, economic pits, post holes, and an exceptionally well-preserved wooden well from the medieval period, shedding light on the architectural practices of the time.
Analysis of the discoveries suggests that they are artifacts from the late Middle Ages, indicating a permanent settlement functioning hundreds of years ago. Among the artifacts found are animal bones, flint tools, iron objects, and everyday items such as bone pins, a stone millstone (quern), and awls.
"The results of the research have not only great scientific significance but also cultural significance for the residents of the region and their historical identity," an archaeologist involved in the project noted. These findings are evidence of how important it is to conduct reliable archaeological research during large infrastructure investments.
Archaeological research in the S17 area is still ongoing and may bring further discoveries.
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