The spokeswoman of the Institute, Jana Maříková-Kubková, said that this year’s season is almost over, and the Institute will continue with the excavation in May, provided that the ownership of the second part of the road is solved on time. Because of the huge number of excavations, the original deadline for the excavation was extended by five months. This period should be sufficient. It is the biggest project of its kind led by the Institute of Archaeology. “So far we have uncovered about 32 ha, out of which 24 ha are of archaeological significance,
said the spokeswoman.
European rarity
Settlements and burial grounds of all prehistoric cultures as well as early medieval artefacts were discovered in the locality. The head of the excavation, Radka Šumberová, said, The most interesting discovery was three Neolithic roundels; the biggest one is also the largest of its kind in Europe.
The research will help to gain more knowledge about the prehistoric development of Kolín and surrounding areas. It is also a unique opportunity to excavate a prehistoric settlement that is 8 kilometres long. The excavations are financed by the Road and Motorway Directorate Prague, and should be finished by May 2009.
