Archaeologists made unique discoveries during excavations of the ancient settlement of Artezian. Valuable finds were discovered in the northwestern section of the defensive structures. In addition, experts examined the depressions associated with the burial of the deceased Sarmatian leader.
Artesian Archaeological Expedition (AAE)
The sacrificial pits are associated with the burial of the deceased Sarmatian leader of the 4th century BC.
Excavations at the ancient Artesian site were planned to be completed in early September, but it was decided to continue: the ancient land never ceases to amaze.
As noted by Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Director of the Archaeological Research Center of Moscow State Pedagogical University and Head of the Artesian Archaeological Expedition (AAE) Nikolai Vinokurov, experts found rare numismatic finds in the northwestern section of the fortifications, in the excavation pit of the tower of the late citadel of King Kotis I.
“Among them are coins from the Tmutarakan principality from the beginning of the 11th century, which allowed us to prolong the medieval period of the settlement’s life by a hundred years,” the professor told RIA Novosti.
The site of the last citadel, apparently, was erected immediately after the end of the Bosporus-Roman war of 45-49. But in the second half of the 3rd century AD it was destroyed by a very powerful earthquake.
The specialists also extensively examined the sacred territory with temples and altars, the southern temenos. An interesting site here is the area of late memorial and sacrificial pits up to five meters deep, which are associated with the burial of the deceased Sarmatian leader of the 4th century BC. In one of the sacrificial pits they found the head of a marble statue of an alleged Bosporan king with the image of the mighty Zeus Genarch.
“This year, when we further explored the pits, we found new fragments of a marble statue, which probably belonged to the statue of Zeus,” said Nikolai Vinokurov, specifying that it was the thumb of the statue’s left hand, the lower part of a male torso, distinguished by careful detailing and muscles.
By the way, marble finds are very rare in Crimea.
“In medieval times, marble products, the deposits of which do not exist in Crimea, were actively burned into lime,” the archaeologist noted.
In addition to the marble statue head, several Bosporan vases and coins were found in the sacrificial pits. Remains of the covering of the monumental altar of the temenos were found, as well as graffiti associated with magical rituals. It is obvious that animal skulls (pigs, sheep, goats, horses) were widely used in funerary rituals. This is indicated by the contents of the sacrificial pits.
Among the highlights of the current excavation season is a vessel for mixing wine with water. Scientists believe that the object found in the northwestern section of the settlement is of Phrygian origin. It dates back to the 8th-7th centuries BC. There could have been more unique finds, but this year the work was complicated by weather conditions: there was little rain. On the one hand, heavy rains prevent excavations; on the other, drought creates even greater difficulties.
“These are very difficult conditions for people. Temperatures of over 42 degrees Celsius, we worked at a depth of 4 to 6 meters. It was a test of strength,” said the head of the Artesian Archaeological Expedition (AAE).
The long-awaited rains have only just begun. But now a new task has arisen: excavating areas that will not survive the off-season.
This year, around 200 students and volunteers took part in the excavations during the entire expedition. Around 60 people were working in the facility at the same time. And that’s still not a lot. Normally there are twice as many people.
Work on the southern section of the Artezian settlement is expected to continue for at least another five to six years. Thanks to the East Crimean Museum, the reserve, the ancient settlement and the necropolis are protected year-round, so experts are confident in the safety of the yet-to-be-excavated treasures.
