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Archaeologists in Warsaw have recovered remnants of the 17th-century royal residence Villa Regia from the Vistula River, the Museum of Polish History said in a Sept. 10 announcement. The palace, once among Europe’s most magnificent, was looted and destroyed during the Swedish Deluge. Officials say Swedish troops tried to ferry plundered elements away in 1656, but a vessel sank, preserving pieces such as a 440‑pound arcade arch and a pillar capital. The finds are secured for conservation and will aid plans to reconstruct the palace staircase and provide data for reconstructing Villa Regia.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.