Archaeologists in the Czech Republic have discovered hundreds of ancient Celtic coins reflecting the artistic influence of the Greek world, revealing the spread of Hellenistic culture through trade and artistic exchange across Central Europe over 2000 years ago.

The treasure found in the Pilsen area in western Bohemia includes nearly 500 gold and silver coins, along with jewelry, bronze ornaments, and raw gold, dating from the 6th to the 1st century BC, according to greekreporter.

Researchers said this discovery shows that the Celtic tribes in what is now the Czech Republic not only traded with the Mediterranean world but also absorbed elements of its mythology and symbolism.

Many of the small coins, some barely one centimeter long, feature portraits inspired by Hellenistic designs from Macedonia and Thrace.

Others depict horses, suns, or abstract patterns inspired by Greek icons. Archaeologists said these details indicate extensive cultural contact between the Celts and Greek colonies along the Adriatic coast and the Balkans.

The story began when an amateur archaeologist using a metal detector found a gold coin dating back to the 2nd century BC and reported it to local authorities, prompting a large-scale investigation by the MGSP program and the Czech Academy of Sciences.

Pavel Kodera, director of the North Pilsen Museum and Gallery (MGSP) in Mariánské Lázně, said: “It turned out the site contains a large number of small metal objects primarily, and very interesting artifacts, mostly coins but not only coins. There are gold bars, cut gold pieces, even raw gold flakes and gold blocks, along with earrings, bracelet fragments, and similar items. Among the finds are bronze pins, clasps, pendants, and a miniature horse statue, all indicating the site’s importance as a center for trade and crafts during the Iron Age.

Unlike many Celtic sites that were looted centuries ago, this site remained intact, and its exact location is kept secret to protect it from treasure hunters and agricultural damage.