Millions of items found by archaeologists will serve as souvenirs from New Chersonesos

Earlier it was reported that during excavations on the territory where the historical and archaeological park «Tauric Chersonesos» has now been created, archaeologists discovered more than 6.5 million items. According to the «My History» foundation, which oversees the creation of the park, only 350 thousand artifacts are of museum value, the rest is the so-called mass archaeological material. According to Russian legislation, in a normal situation, archaeologists must describe it, examine it, and, having specially formalized and prepared the artifacts, bury it.

The builders and creators of the park decided that it was not worth throwing away archaeological items. They have no museum value, but will remain on the territory of the park where they were found: in paths, in backfill, and later they will be used to make souvenirs«,» said a park spokesman.

As explained to TASS by the My History Foundation, among the ceramic material classified as mass during excavations in the Southern Chora of Tauric Chersonesos, the main volume is represented by fragments of container vessels: amphorae of various types. These and similar vessels for many centuries — from ancient times to the Middle Ages — played the same role that plastic bottles and polyethylene bags play today: they were used to transport or store liquids and bulk materials. During the archaeological excavations, fragments of amphorae were selected from which the vessels can be restored. Also, shards classified as mass material were examined and analyzed, all data that will allow future studies to clarify the trade relations of Chersonesos have been recorded.

About the park

The territory where modern Sevastopol is located was inhabited 2.5 thousand years ago. In 424-421 BC, the ancient Greek colony of Tauric Chersonesos was founded, the city existed until the end of the 14th century AD. It is believed that it was here that Prince Vladimir, who later baptized Rus, adopted Christianity in the 10th century. In the 19th century, the Cathedral of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir was built on the supposed site of his baptism.

The museum on the territory of the settlement has been operating for more than a century, but the creation of a historical and archaeological park next to it began several years ago. Since 2020, extensive excavations have been carried out there, and then the construction of an art school and a branch of the International Children’s Center «Artek» began (the construction of these facilities has already been completed), as well as several museums (they are scheduled to open this summer). The opening of the entire complex is scheduled for the end of July.