Vistula returns treasures plundered by Swedes

The record low level (about 60cm) of the river flowing through the whole country made it possible for treasures of Polish architecture, plundered by Swedes in the middle of the 17th century, to emerge from its depths. When in 1655 everything of value was plundered. Not even the buildings were spared, whose beautifully and richly decorated elements were lowered by barges towards the sea.

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It was during such transports that the boats used to carry the loot, overloaded to the limit of their capacity, often ended up at the bottom of the Vistula with the entire load. Within the framework of the project “Vistula 1655-1906-2009″ it was possible to locate, excavate and secure part of the looted goods. This year, the exceptionally low water level in the river allowed for further discoveries.

Smaller pieces that have emerged from the river current have already been secured. The problem arises when it comes to the larger ones, the excavation of which requires a crane. The artefacts stuck in the muddy bottom have been excellently preserved, but now they deteriorate exposed to the sun.

More information about the find is provided in the footage below by, as usual, a smiling and happy Marcin Jamkowski:

Photo: Marzena Hmielewicz/AdventurePictures.eu