Two amphorae, arrowheads, and a warrior: A unique looted burial site from the 3rd century BC has been discovered near Rostov.

In the village of Gorodishche, located in the Azov district of Rostov region, an ancient burial site dating back to the first quarter of the 3rd century BC was discovered during gasification works. Although the grave was looted in antiquity, the findings from this site shed light on the life and customs of the peoples who inhabited these lands over two thousand years ago.

Heraclea amphorae held approximately eight liters of liquid. Photo provided by Nikolai Lisin.

THE FARTHEST BURIAL

Who was buried in this grave was shared by the head of the expedition, specialist from the "Archaeological Society 'Heritage'" Nikolai Lisin.

In January of this year, gasification works were conducted in the village of Gorodishche, which is home to the cultural heritage site "Fifty-Six Kurgans." Prior to this, rescue archaeological works were carried out. Archaeologists were in for a surprise—something they had never encountered in the Don region before.

Nikolai Lisin stated that this burial is the northernmost of all discovered at this monument. It is also among the latest interments in the necropolis, making it particularly valuable for studying the chronology and cultural specifics of the region.

Only items that did not interest ancient looters remained in the grave. Photo provided by Nikolai Lisin.

WHAT DID THE ARCHAEOLOGISTS FIND?

Despite the fact that the burial was likely looted in antiquity, archaeologists uncovered several interesting artifacts. Among them were two amphorae, one of which retained the manufacturer's stamp. This Heraclea amphora dates back to the 3rd century BC.

— The stamp on the neck of one of the amphorae is of particular interest, as it contains information about the manufacturer—the owner of the workshop that produced the vessel. It served as a kind of quality mark.

A jug adorned with a floral pattern became a unique find for the Don region.

— Arrowheads were also found. This suggests that the person buried in the grave was likely a man, possibly a warrior.

The structure of the grave piqued the archaeologists' interest. Traces of four posts were discovered at the bottom of the pit.

— This suggests the presence of a wooden sarcophagus structure at the burial. It also indicates the high status of the buried individual.

WHO WAS BURIED?

It is currently difficult to determine exactly to whom the burial belonged. In the 4th to early 3rd centuries BC, both Greeks and Scythians inhabited this area, actively interacting and adopting each other's customs.

Nikolai Lisin noted that precise determination of ethnic affiliation will require additional analysis, which may take up to two years.

The jug was decorated with a floral pattern, which is unique for the Don region. Photo provided by Nikolai Lisin.

GREeks AND SCYTHIANS LIVED SIDE BY SIDE

The Don delta area and the village of Gorodishche were significant centers of life for ancient peoples. Initially, the Scythians lived here, later the Greeks established their colony in the same place. The new neighbors engaged in trade, crafts, fishing, etc. They transported fish, for which the Don was famous, back to their homeland. Due to their coexistence, their cultures intersected.

WHAT'S NEXT?

All findings will be transferred to the educational museum of Archaeology and the Institute of International Relations of the Southern Federal University, where a significant portion of the artifacts discovered at this site is already stored. Archaeologists plan to continue excavations, as the territory of the "Fifty-Six Kurgans" continues to reveal surprises.

- Last year, one of the earliest burials dated to the 5th century BC was found here. In a woman's grave, an Olvian mirror was discovered, resembling a bronze frying pan. It is unique in that a depiction of a member of the feline family is shown on the handle. Possibly, a panther.

Archaeologists are confident that further research will yield even more discoveries that will help unlock the mysteries of the distant past.