On November 10, 1899, a huge storm hit the Baltic Sea and destroyed a large section of the cliffs in Badgiz, Poland. The storm caused a hollow old oak log to tumble onto the beach. Inside this “coffin that fell from the sky” was the skeleton of an unidentified woman, now known as “Princess Bagiz”. A study led by Marta Chmiel-Chrzanowska conducted a detailed bioarchaeological analysis of her skeletal remains, published in the journal Archeology Newsletter (2024)The age of the coffin was confirmed using dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), which showed she was between 25 and 30 years old and about 145 centimeters tall. The tomb is unique because of its state of preservation. She was found wrapped in cowhide and seated on a rare four-legged wooden stool, suggesting she may have held a high social status in the Welbach culture. Although her skeletal remains darkened after exposure to tannins in oak logs, her wealth and 2024 tree-ring data confirmed she lived during the Roman Iron Age around AD 120, correcting earlier carbon dating errors caused by her fish-heavy diet.
Thrilling discovery of a coffin falling from the sky
The discovery began with a natural disaster, not an excavation. In 1899, a severe storm hit Bagicz (formerly Bodenhagen) on the Baltic coast; the storm caused severe erosion of the Baltic cliffs on which Bagicz is located. One of the objects of interest at the site is a large hollow oak log that actually slid from the earth onto the beach. Locals recognized the “coffin that fell from the sky” as a corpse and a forensic investigation was launched because the body was so well preserved that it was initially thought to have been recently buried.
Why does the skull still turn black?
according to MagazineThe bones and organic matter immediately surrounding the body are dark brown or black. The body was not burned; instead, a chemical reaction occurred between the protein components of the body and the high tannin content of the wet oak logs, which preserved the structure of the body. In fact, for more than two thousand years, the body’s natural “tanning” function served to preserve bone structure.
Who is she – “Princess Bagiz”
Scientific analysis provides a clear picture of this woman’s life:
- Age and height: She was at least 25 years old at the time of her death, but possibly as young as 30. She is approximately 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.
- Health: In addition to her noble status, her remains showed evidence of osteoarthritis and physical stress, suggesting that despite her wealth, she may have been engaged in heavy physical labor.
- Oxhide Wrap: She was also covered in cowhide, which served as a shroud over her body and was placed inside a single (single piece) oak coffin.
A hallmark of Wielbark culture
The high-grade grave goods found in the logs indicate the person’s status – hence the word “princess”. A general description of the grave goods can be found at Journal of Heidelberg University. Grave goods descriptions include: bronze bracelets, fibulas (decorative clasps), amber necklaces, a unique wooden stool with pillows and a leather bag containing bone needles.
Mysteries of the Szczecin National Museum
“Princess Bagiz” now occupies a large part of the National Museum in Szczecin, Poland. The story of the princess is an important part of European history, helping to illustrate the complex trade routes among the Germanic tribes along the Baltic Sea during the Roman Empire’s greatest period.
