Mysterious 2,500-year-old dagger with links to ancient 'solar cult' found in 'most valuable' discovery

A man and woman were left stunned after they came across an ancient dagger which supposedly could have ties to a 'solar cult'.

Jacek Ukowski and Katarzyna Herdzik made the 'sensational' discovery while scouring a beach in Poland with metal detectors a couple of weeks ago.

The pair were exploring the sands and watching the beauty of the Baltic Sea on 30 March when they stumbled across what is believed to be a historic weapon.

The Kamień Land History Museum, who are among those working to verify the source of the relic, explained that the duo found it in a mound of clay that is believed to have broken from a cliff following recent storms.

These experts have dubbed it a 'masterpiece of metallurgy' and 'one of the most valuable finds' Poland has ever seen, although its origin story still remains unclear at the moment.

Experts reckon the weapon might be linked to a 'solar cult' (Facebook/Muzeum Historii Ziemi Kamieńskiej)

Although the source of the dagger hasn't been determined just yet, its discovery has certainly delivered a dose of excitement to collectors and historians.

The blade - which is adorned with a host of intricate designs - is believed to around be 2,500 years old and possibly hails from the Hallstatt period.

In a Facebook post detailing the finding, The Kamień Land History Museum explained that the weapon was in 'excellent condition' despite presumably being battered by the elements over the years.

But it's the 'richly ornamented' appearance which has really got people talking, as history experts reckon this could provide a hint about its past.

"The blades cover linear crescent moons and crosses resembling stars," the post explains. "In the middle [...] there is a decoration, perhaps symbolising constellations, and the whole thing is complemented by barbed lines.

"The handle is finished with a pointy head and decorated with an alternating ornament that goes down to the blade. It is hard to answer the question what was this dagger for.

"Surface decorations may indicate connections to a solar cult and suggest that the dagger had a ritual significance."

Mental, right?

The dagger has been sent off for further tests (Facebook/Muzeum Historii Ziemi Kamieńskiej)

The other option being considered is that the dagger might have been a piece of equipment used by a 'rich warrior' back in the day, as it would have been a swanky bit of kit at the time.

Either way, all the Kamień Land History Museum know for sure is that it is 'undoubtedly a true work of art and an example of a high level of metallurgy'.

It added: "Perhaps it is imported and was cast in one of the workshops in southern Europe. The discovery of this dagger is also a testimony to the extraordinary history of the region and the West Pomeranian."

The museum said the dagger has been sent of for analysis and metallurgical tests, which will hopefully reveal a few more pieces of this interesting dagger puzzle.

Katarzyna, who is a member of the St. Cordula Association for the Saving of Monuments, said of the artefact: "I didn't expect to make such a big discovery, but the moment I saw this item, I just knew it could be something valuable."

Jacek, who is president of the association, said the dagger was his 'most valuable discovery' so far, according to TVP World.

"This is my most valuable discovery," he added. "Accidental. The cliff was torn off; the block must have fallen from above. I entered this place with a metal detector because it started to ring there."