European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 11, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Probing Pilsen at left a Maze of passages and cellars open to the Public lies beneath the streets of Pilsen Czechoslovakia. Above pottery and other artefacts were discovered by archaeologists in the underground  passages through history Story and photos by Randy Pruitt staff writer step Down in time. It s easy to do in Pilsen Czechoslovakia where a. Serious inquiry into the City s past involves a journey underground. Beneath the City s Cobblestone streets lies a labyrinth of passages and cellars that Over the past 20 years has evolved into a Public museum. The Chilly Damp subterranean walk will take you Back to the Middle Ages to reveal pottery weapons and evidence of one of Man s first . The admission ticket includes a hard hat. Present Day Pilsen was founded in the late 13th Century. Its predecessor was nearby stary old Pilsen a fortified settlement founded in the 8th Century. The economic and political changes initiated by Premysl Otakar ii led to the old City s gradual decline. Premysl s son Vaclav ii established the new town about 8 Miles away. The new Community was designed on a grand scale a trend of the time. In the 14th Century it was the third largest City in Bohemia. The first settlers came from Prague Kutna Hora the two larger cities Klat Ovy Cheb and numerous other Bohemian villages. Medieval Pilsen was a massively fortified City with a triple Wall that made it practically unconquerable. It was first captured in 1618 by count Mansfeld a Leader of the anti hapsburg rebellion which triggered the thirty years War in Europe. Inhabitants entered the cellars by spacious stairways wide enough for Bulky objects like Beer vats and barrels. All homeowners had Beer making privileges but medieval records indicate Early Pilsen Beer was considered poor in Quality despite Ideal brewing conditions. A today Pilsen boasts a worldwide Beer reputation with its Quot Pilsner a quell Quot Brand one that was not established until 1842. The Sandstone cellars incidentally were dug by / professionals. Historians think the work was performed by jobless Silver miners in the 14th Century the simple implements they used Are displayed along v Sas Susan Harris the Way in neat Glass fronted niches. An amazing number of Wells line the twisted route evidence that every residence had it sown source of drinking water. When one Well ran dry another was dug often next to the old one. Seven Side by Side Wells were discovered beneath two houses. The proliferation of water Wells Points to one of the first Man made  when the town was temporarily left without drinking water. Future Wells believed to have been dug in the 17th and 18th centuries were smaller in diameter than the earlier Wells. Today they remain Rich in water. Also exhibited Are original pumping devices samples of pottery and other objects discovered by archaeologists. Military history buffs can View some of the arms used by the hussite army a an Iron tipped flail a picked Ball and a Mace. The Conquest of Pilsen is documented by thirty years War Miscellanea which includes a Pontoon an 18th Century Pike or Halberd head a Morion Catlike crested helmet worn in the 16th and 17th centuries Musket and cannonballs. J one discovery is considered especially important by bohemians artefacts Haye confirmed that the Region s renown for the manufacture of Fine glassware was established As Early As the 14th Century not the 17th Century As once suspected. Czech glassware of that period Only imitated German work which was less refined and mostly represented one pattern. Visitors will not cover the entire 11 Kilometres bout 6vz Miles that have been explored so far. Wrists should allot about 45 minutes for the tour. The Entrance is just off the main Square in Central Pilsen. April 11, 1991 stripes Magazine