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Half-ton Roman statues and swords found by accident: See latest ancient finds

The historic sword found by Andrzej Korpikiewicz in the Vistula River.
The historic sword found by Andrzej Korpikiewicz in the Vistula River. Photo from Andrzej Korpikiewicz

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Throughout history, cultures have left behind a trail of breadcrumbs for archaeologists to follow. New sites and artifacts are found all the time, revealing forgotten secrets of the past.

Here are some of the latest discoveries:

Passerby visits Poland river to see low water level — and finds medieval weapon

A close-up photo shows a cross-like design on the handle of the medieval sword.
A close-up photo shows a cross-like design on the handle of the medieval sword. Photo from Warsaw Conservator of Monuments

In Warsaw, Poland, a man stumbled upon a medieval sword while exploring the low water levels of the Vistula River. The sword, identified as a well-preserved medieval weapon, was found by chance and handed over to heritage officials for conservation. | Published July 4 | Read More |

Rare half-ton statue — once guarding medieval gate — unearthed in France. See it

A large chunk of a horse and rider statue was pulled from the rubble, archaeologists said.
A large chunk of a horse and rider statue was pulled from the rubble, archaeologists said. French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research

In Toul, France, archaeologists uncovered a Renaissance-style equestrian statue that once adorned a medieval city gate. The statue, weighing over 1,000 pounds, was found during excavations of a site that has seen centuries of historical transformations.| Published July 1 | Read More |

‘Beautifully preserved’ woven Roman structure found in UK may hold ‘secrets’

In Norfolk, United Kingdom, a Roman well lined with intricately woven wicker was discovered, offering a glimpse into Roman Britain. The well is part of a larger Roman settlement complex, and its preservation provides valuable insights into ancient engineering techniques. Archaeologists are eager to uncover more secrets as they continue their excavation. | Published July 2 | Read More |

Massive tree deep in Amazon hid ancient burials of unknown culture — until now

The urns contained fragments of human, turtle and fish bones, according to archaeologists.
The urns contained fragments of human, turtle and fish bones, according to archaeologists. Photo by Marcio Amaral.

In the Amazon’s Fonte Boa region of Brazil, an uprooted tree revealed seven urns belonging to an unidentified indigenous group. These urns, buried beneath the tree, contained human and animal remains, indicating their use in funerary rituals. | Published June 26 | Read More |

Ancient shipwreck hid dozens of treasures — until now. See the finds in Greece

Archaeologists and divers returned to the 2,000-year-old Antikythera wreck in Greece and found dozens of artifacts, photos show.
Archaeologists and divers returned to the 2,000-year-old Antikythera wreck in Greece and found dozens of artifacts, photos show. Photo from Return to Antikythera

Off the coast of Greece, the Antikythera shipwreck continues to reveal its secrets, with recent excavations uncovering ancient sculptures and pottery. This 2,000-year-old wreck, known for its historical significance, has inspired stories and research for decades. | Published July 3 | Read More |

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This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Half-ton Roman statues and swords found by accident: See latest ancient finds."

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