Unique finds discovered by archaeologists in the Polotsk region

August 13, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Unique finds have been discovered by archaeologists in the Polotsk district, as reported to BELTA correspondent by Marat Klimov, a researcher at the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and a candidate of historical sciences. Excavations are underway on the left bank of the Western Dvina near the village of Luchno. In the 11th-16th centuries, a large estate of a prominent magnate was located here, situated on a transit route from Vitebsk to Riga. Archaeologists have not been able to establish the owner's name, as the estate was completely destroyed along with the local residents during the wars between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Muscovy. However, numerous finds testify to its high level of prosperity. For instance, expedition members have discovered building foundations covering quite significant areas for that time – 40-60 sq.m, remnants of large stoves with tiles and Delftware, rich household utensils and items, and weapons. Approximately 500 finds are classified as unique. These include a Vytautas's dinar, a Pskov pendant seal, rare "Rhineland stoneware" pottery, and six clasps from expensive books. "Usually, such a number of clasps are found during excavations of entire cities," noted Marat Klimov. The wealth and high status of the unknown owner are also evidenced by about 15 Prague groschen coins – a monetary unit common in Belarus in the 15th-16th centuries. "Their discovery in one settlement location can be considered an unprecedented stroke of luck, as so many coins are found in ancient hoards," said the archaeologist, adding that the overall value of the artifacts discovered during the expedition already surpasses the material collected during excavations in Polotsk. About 30 volunteers are participating in the archaeological expedition. This year, these are the most extensive excavations organized in Belarus, with the excavation area covering 1130 sq.m. The scale of the work is due to the fact that construction of the Polotsk Hydroelectric Power Station will begin here by the end of the year. -0-