Archaeologists in Berlin have made an astonishing discovery while excavating a former cellar in the city’s historic Molkenmarkt area. What was initially thought to be a simple military artifact from World War II turned out to be a rare Japanese Wakizashi, a short sword from the Edo period. This unexpected find has sparked intrigue and speculation about how such an object found its way to Berlin and what it reveals about the city’s hidden historical connections. Excavation Uncovers War-Torn Relics and a Mysterious Sword The discovery was made during the winter of 2022 when archaeologists from the Berlin State Office for Monument Preservation were conducting excavations in the Molkenmarkt area, particularly along Stralauer Street, reports the Berlin Staatliche Museum. This street, once narrower than today, was the site of several residential and commercial buildings until they were destroyed during World War II. The destruction and subsequent urban redesign efforts in the 1960s left little trace of the original structures, but the remnants of cellars from these buildings have remained hidden beneath the modern cityscape. As the archaeologists dug through the rubble-filled cellar vaults, they uncovered various militaria, including bridles, stirrups, curbs, and harnesses, likely hastily discarded in the chaotic final days of the war. Amidst these artifacts, a heavily corroded sword was found protruding from the debris. Read moreSection: ArtifactsAncient TechnologyNewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later