Archaeological excavations in Crimea have uncovered a Roman fortress from the first century BC.
The discovery was reportedly made by archaeologists working in collaboration with the Crimean Archaeological Institute, the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Archaeological Foundation. heritage daily.
The modest fort spans about 10,000 square feet and is said to have an “intricate” design. There is a circular moat with moat walls surrounding a central guard tower.
South Bosporus expedition leader explains heritage daily “Dating to the end of the first century BC, the fortress was part of an interconnected network of communication outposts on the Bosporus to protect the interests of the Roman Republic. During this period, messages were transmitted via smoke, flames and other visual aids.
The remains of the fortress were discovered on the Kerch Peninsula in eastern Crimea, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014. The peninsula is bordered by the Black Sea to the south, the Sea of Azov to the north, and the Taman Gulf to the west, across the Kerch Strait.
The site is located within the Kingdom of Bosporus, a long-standing “subordinate kingdom” of the Roman Empire.
A well-preserved double-handled amphora was also reportedly found at the site. The piece dates to the second half of the 1st century BC and is believed to have been made in the ancient city of Heraclea Pontica in present-day Karadeniz Eregli, Turkey. The latter provides evidence of Black Sea trade.
Excavations are expected to continue next summer to reveal the site’s complete layout and better understand its defensive role.
