Textiles from the princely grave in Poprad-Matejovce, Slovakia

The project, initiated in 2006 in Slovakia, is focused on the excavation, conservation, and interpretation of the Germanic princely grave in Poprad-Matejovce, dating back to the late 4th century AD. The research aimed to salvage organic materials and document the excavation. Numerous in situ blocks containing textiles were recovered and subsequently processed in a laboratory. However, questions persist regarding long-term storage and future research. Challenges include assessing the potential for new discoveries, determining the necessity of retaining all samples, mitigating the risk of contamination, and understanding the impact of long-term storage on organic materials, such as textiles. Addressing these issues is crucial for preserving the valuable textiles from this significant archaeological find. Finally, in 2023, this long-term work culminated in the establishment of a permanent exhibition, “The Prince of Poprad and his Grave”, which is on display in the Podtatranské Museum in Poprad.