Archaeologists revealed how they are excavating the Synagogue Courtyard in Izabelin
Archaeological research continues in the town of Izabelin in Vaukavysk district, reports the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. At the end of last year, the foundations of an unknown building were discovered there. As it turned out, these were the structures of the so-called "Kleine Shul" — the small synagogue of Izabelin, erected in the 1780s.
Due to restoration work, archaeological supervision of the excavation work at the site is required, which is being carried out by Oleg Dzernovich, leading researcher at the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
In the new season, a massive stone foundation line was discovered near the road in the center of the town. This is the fence of the Izabelin Synagogue Courtyard, which allows defining the parameters of this confessional-corporate structure of the 18th — first half of the 20th century in the town center.
In addition, an interesting collection of artifacts was found, including a set of "carpet" tiles with geometric ornaments from a 17th-century stove, indicating the presence of buildings in this location during that period. The active trading activity in the town is also evidenced by the discovery of a glass seal from an 18th-century gin bottle (quart), possibly counterfeit, with the stamp "LOND(O)N".
Further research, as well as the preservation and possible display of the object, are only possible within the entire complex of the Synagogue Courtyard from the 18th — first half of the 20th centuries, historically formed in the eastern part of Izabelin's Main (Market) Square.