Recent archaeological findings have added significant insight into the Neolithic age.
Archaeologists in Poland have discovered two megalithic tombs used to bury high-profile individuals. Referred to as the "Pyramids of Poland," these tombs are believed to predate the famous Egyptian pyramids.
The tombs were discovered in General Dezydery Chłapowski Landscape Park, located in the village of Wyskoc in the Wielkopolska region. The burial monuments are estimated to be over 5,500 years old. The discovery was prompted after researchers from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań spotted unusual mounds of earth, which excavation later confirmed were constructed by the Funnelbeaker Culture—known for its distinctive funnel-shaped pottery.
Researchers used remote sensing technology, which revealed the mounds' trapezoidal shapes.
According to a report by Enikos, Artur Golis, chief specialist for nature and landscape protection from the Wielkopolska Region's Landscape Parks Complex, explained: “Each generation built its own megalithic monument, honoring the deceased who played a vital role in their community.” These individuals included priests, shamans, and tribal chiefs.
These ancient tombs are believed to have originally contained a single body laid on its back, with legs pointing east, often accompanied by grave goods such as stone axes, pottery, copper ornaments, or opium vessels. However, no human remains were found in this particular discovery, but research team are seeking for burial offerings.
“In this case, the skeleton probably no longer survives, but the burial offerings might,” Golis said, noting, “Potentially, these may include stone axes, adzes, ceramics, or characteristic clay vessels.”
These are the third and fourth such discoveries following earlier finds in Wielkopolska in 2019. Experts say this is a major step forward in understanding the religious and social culture of ancient communities. “These findings could provide further information about the spiritual and daily life of the people of the Funnelbeaker Culture,” Golis shared.