Archaeologists have recently revealed discoveries made at Pushkarevsky ponds, located near Poltava in Ukraine. This area is believed to have been where Swedish cavalry were positioned during the siege of Poltava. The findings include two drums dating back to the mid-18th century, which are thought to have been played by Cossacks. Other discoveries include a piece of cast-iron boiler, various metal objects like nails, horseshoes, a buckle, buttons, flints, bone work, and several pieces of ceramics, most of which are believed to have originated from Europe. The artifacts have been handed over to restorers for further study and preservation.
The Poltava archaeological expedition GP NIT “Guard Archaeological Service of Ukraine” Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine led the excavations. Yuri Pumykov, a member of the team, said that similar artifacts have been found in other locations, such as Poltava and Belsky Gorod. He added that part of the discoveries will be moved to the Museum of Poltava Battle for public display.
While Ukraine celebrates these recent finds, authorities have also uncovered illegal activities by a “black archaeologist” who was involved in trading cultural artifacts. An investigation revealed that a man had dug up a silver belt from the Khmelnytsky region, which dates back to the third century. The belt was linked to the military culture of ancient Germans when they migrated from Northern Europe to the Black Sea through modern-day Ukraine. The man then put the item up for sale on an internet auction site, where he sold it to a buyer.
According to the National Museum of Ukraine, the treasure found, which includes a silver belt, 787 coins, arrowheads, and fragments of ancient jewelry, has a special historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural value. The current Ukrainian legislation prohibits the sale, collection, or export of archaeological objects by individuals. Therefore, the man who was found to have sold the belt committed an offense. Law enforcement officers, while conducting a search in the Khmelnytsky and Kirovograd regions, also discovered other rare antiquities, including a unique third-century Gothic belt, arrowheads, and 450 ancient jewelry fragments.
The seized artifacts’ legality is currently under examination, and the antiquities could be transferred to museum funds for preservation. According to Ukrainian law, only experienced archaeologists are allowed to conduct excavations, and their discoveries must be transferred to museum funds. Developers must also invite researchers to conduct excavations before commencing construction or roadworks. The findings of these excavations are significant as they help reveal the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine and provide insight into the country’s history.
