Krzemionki, Prehistoric flint mine in Ostrowiec County, Poland.
Krzemionki is a prehistoric mining site in Ostrowiec County that covers several kilometers and contains thousands of shafts dug into the ground. These shafts reach depths of about nine meters and connect through horizontal passages that also served to drain water.
Mining began here roughly 5900 years ago when people started extracting flint and developed an intricate system of vertical shafts and passages. The operation continued for about 2300 years before extraction stopped.
The site reflects how mining shaped daily life for prehistoric communities, with evidence of sustained occupation and organized labor practices visible throughout the complex. The extracted flint became essential to survival, driving the establishment of permanent settlements nearby.
Two separate underground routes are available for visitors to explore the network of shafts and passages at their own pace. A museum at the site explains extraction techniques and displays tools from the mining period.
The walls of underground passages contain preserved Neolithic engravings that document early human activity at the site. These carvings offer a rare glimpse into the lives of people who used this place over thousands of years.
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