Archaeologists determined the exact age of the necropolis found in Grodno during construction
In the center of Grodno, on Malaya Traetskaya street, during the construction of a commercial and administrative building, ancient remains were found . Work on the site has been suspended, and archaeologists have begun their research. Based on unique finds, experts determined the age of the necropolis — the cemetery dates back to the mid-16th century, writes sb.by.
According to the Grodno TV and Radio Company, three coins became the determining artifacts for dating: two of them minted in the 1550s, one in 1620.
Rare finds allowed archaeologists not only to confirm their assumptions but also to clarify the chronology: the first burials appeared after 1555. Previously, it was believed that the cemetery might be later, but now it can be said with certainty that the necropolis began functioning in the mid-16th century.
By the way, an additional confirmation came from rings found in female burials — they perfectly match the coin material in terms of dating. According to archaeologists, the cemetery existed for a relatively short time.
Interestingly, a fragment of a headdress was also found, preserved on the burial of a young man. Organic material almost never survives in aggressive soil, but the fabric adhered to metal details. After cleaning and conservation, experts will try to determine exactly what it was — a cap or a hair band.
Among the unusual finds also: a skeleton of a man over 55 years old, with legs bent and without a coffin. Archaeologists suggested: since the soil here is hard and clayey, the grave might have been dug smaller than the person's height. It is likely that he was buried in winter, when digging the ground is especially difficult. No traces of a coffin or nails were found in the burial, which is very rare even for the oldest burials.
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