Abstract
In the region of present-day Bohemia, gold objects dating from the 8th to the 1st century B.C. (Hallstatt С — La Tene Dl) have been found at ca.150 localities/sites. The mining/recovery and processing of gold is discussed on the basis of these archaeological finds, and X-ray fluorescence analysis of the gold artefacts pursued by the author from the Late Aeneolithic. Fragments of a washing trough, dated after B. Dubský (1949) to the 3rd or 2nd century B.C., found near Modlesovice form the source material for a hypothetical reconstruction of the techniques of gold prospecting in antiquity. A possible goldsmith’s workshop from the oppidum of Stradonice is discussed. Bohemia (ancient “Boiohaemum”) played an important role in the production of gold. The significance of this valuable resource in Celtic society, and as an article for export, is demonstrated by the fact that gold production in Bohemia amounted in Celtic times to an estimated total of 17.4 tonnes.
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