The grave of a slave trader? A unique find of a padlock from the Baltic culture cemetery in Mojtyny (pow. Mrągowski) in Masuria

Abstract

In the richly furnished grave 17 from the Bogaczewo culture cemetery of Mojtyny a few iron objects were found of unknown function. In fact, these are elements of a Roman box padlock, used as a shackle closure. Padlocks of this type were found in many military camps and are usually interpreted as a part of shackles. The complete set from Mojtyny, consisting of padlock with its key, is a quite unique find, further more as it comes to light so far from the borders of the Empire. The very rare finds of padlocks or shackles from the barbaricum are usually connected with the slave trade, but the padlock from Mojtyny is rather an isolated find, and should not be regarded as evidence for organised slave trade in this area.