Polish museum employee unearths Viking-era sword during river swim

In August 2022, an employee at the Military Museum in Poland, made an extraordinary discovery while swimming in the Supraśl River. 

On a Sunday evening in August 2022, Szczepan Skibicki, an employee at the Military Museum, decided to take a swim in the Supraśl River in eastern Poland, a pastime he enjoys during his free time, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Skibicki was familiar with the river’s curves, the shape of its banks, and the flow of its bottom. But on this occasion, as he swam, he noticed a previously sediment-covered area that had cleared, revealing the riverbed. Looking down about four feet, Skibicki saw something glinting.

As he focused, the shape of a sword began to appear. Overjoyed, Skibicki shouted underwater and called for help. Two years later, this remarkable discovery is being returned to the very museum where Skibicki works, according to a Nov. 30 press release from Poland's Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Skibicki, recognized as one of the museum’s most experienced staff members, contacted the local archaeological office and immersed the sword in distilled water to preserve it until officials could arrive, as stated in the release. 

The sword, believed to be from Poland’s medieval period, is thought to date back to the 9th or 10th century. Its design is similar to that of the Vikings or the Baltic people. Researchers called the find unique and exceptional, noting that only three or four similar swords have been discovered in Poland. While the water had helped preserve the sword, it still required significant restoration. Parts of the sword had mineralized, especially the middle section of the blade, where it would have endured the most damage, causing micro-cracks, scratches, and splintering over time. However, the hilt was much better preserved, with the organic materials used to craft it largely intact, according to the museum.

By Naila Huseynova