Chersonesos Taurica, an ancient city located on the site of modern Sevastopol, continues to reveal its secrets to scientists. During the archaeological excavations in the southern suburbs of Chersonesos, the specialists of the Institute of History of Material Culture of Russian Academy of Sciences found a unique ancient mausoleum with a public resting place. This discovery, which has no analogues in the world, is of great interest and importance for the study of the history of this ancient city.
The mausoleum is a unique combination of a funerary and public structure. The upper part of the complex is a semicircular pavilion for rest, which was usually installed in the main streets of the city. The lower part – the mausoleum – consists of four chambers, two of which contain sarcophagi. This combination of burial and public building is unique and testifies to the high level of development of architecture and culture in Chersonesos.
About 20 burials found in the mausoleum allegedly belonged to one noble family. Archaeologists deduce this from the funerary objects discovered, such as tableware, jewelry and incense vessels. The men’s burials were in the center of the crypt, in cremation urns, while the women’s burials were to the sides in chambers. The upper part of the complex, the pergola, presumably served as a place where relatives remembered the dead and performed rites.
The discovery of this ancient mausoleum is very important for the study of the history of Tauric Chersonesos and its inhabitants. It gives scientists a better understanding of customs and traditions of ancient citizens, as well as their social status and prosperity. In addition, this complex is a unique example of architecture and art of the ancient world.
Archaeological excavations in the southern suburbs of Chersonesos are carried out with the financial and organizational support of the My History Foundation with the assistance of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The project is coordinated by a workgroup under the presidential administration. During the work, an area of about 85 thousand square meters was studied, on which about 4 million findings were found. The historical cultural layer, which extends to a depth of more than 9 meters, contains traces of the Hellenistic era and other periods of history, as well as objects not previously found on the territory of the Northern Black Sea coast.
The discovery of the ancient mausoleum with a gazebo in Chersonesos is an important step in studying the history of this ancient city. It allows scientists to expand their knowledge about the life and customs of its inhabitants, as well as about the culture and art of the ancient world. This discovery confirms the richness and importance of Tauric Chersonesos as one of the greatest ancient cities.
