During excavations on the Dioskurov Corniche in Sukhumi, archaeologists discovered 11 tombs dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, in addition to one symbolic cemetery.
erected in a place where the remains of the deceased are not located.
This was announced by Dmitry Shasteny, a researcher in the Department of Archaeology at the Abkhazian Institute for Humanistic Studies.
Chastiny said: "During the three weeks we spent at the excavation site, we discovered 11 tombs from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Today, a funerary facility that was found yesterday was opened, but it was empty, meaning it was symbolic."
According to the archaeologist, a stone inscribed with Latin script had previously been found at the excavation site. Chastin said, "We have our own interpretation of it, but we haven't officially announced it yet. We've sent photos of the inscribed stone for analysis to colleagues specializing in this period and this type of artifact, and when they give us their official interpretation, we'll be able to announce ours as well. This stone dates back to the Roman era, and based on the style of writing, it can be dated to the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The words written in Latin are 'leg 12'. We know from written sources that the Twelfth Legion was stationed in Cappadocia, and that some of its units reached Sebastopolis, the ancient Roman city located on the coast of the present-day Gulf of Sukhumi."
The Russian news agency TASS previously reported that archaeologists had identified three former fortresses in this area facing the sea. They are currently studying the remaining walls, specifically the northern and northwestern sections. Specialists have unearthed coins dating back to the ancient Roman and Byzantine periods. City authorities are providing the archaeologists with full support, and the excavation period has been extended.
Alek Gabilia, Dean of the History Department at Abkhazia State University and Director of the excavation, announced that the pottery fragments and approximately 20 coins of various mints are of paramount importance for dating and understanding the trade and economic relations of the ancient inhabitants. He added that similar discoveries had been made in the 1950s during the restoration of the corniche, but in-depth studies were not possible at that time, and the work was superficial. Now, however, the situation has changed, as archaeologists have gained access to the urban layer. Following the completion of the excavation, plans are in place to display the discovered artifacts to the public.
