The graves of two warriors from the Germanic Vandal tribe have been unearthed in a cemetery in Poland. These warriors, buried with their weapons and artifacts, offer a rare glimpse into the funerary practices of the Vandal tribe during the late Roman period, around the 3rd or 4th century AD. The discovery was made in the village of Glinka, located in the Ćmielów commune, at a previously unknown archaeological site.
A Vandal Cemetery from the Roman Period
The graves, which are believed to belong to the Przeworsk culture, were found in Ostrowiec County, Świętokrzyskie Province in the south of Poland, as part of an ongoing archaeological survey led by Dr. Marek Florek from the Office for the Protection of Monuments in Sandomierz.
The Przeworsk culture, dominant in parts of Central Europe, is closely associated with the Vandals, a Germanic tribe known for their interactions with the Roman Empire. Dr. Florek explained that the cemetery likely dates back to the late Roman period, and it provides valuable insight into the customs of the Vandal warriors who inhabited the area during this time.
“We discovered pit graves containing burnt human remains,” Dr. Florek told PAP (Polish Press Agency).
“The remains, along with the ashes of the funeral pyre, were carefully placed in the graves—a clear indication of the ritualistic practices associated with Vandal burials.”
The warriors were buried with swords, spearheads, and shield elements,…
