MINSK, 14 August (BelTA) – An axe dating back to the 1st millennium BC was found by archaeologists in Lyuban District, Vadim Lakiza, Deputy Director for Science at the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB), said at a press conference, BelTA has learned.
“Now we are in the middle of extensive excavations in the Obchin settlement, Lyuban District. Our area of interest is the defensive structures of the settlement dating back to the Milograd Culture of the 1st millennium BC. The field excavations are supervised by Sergei Linevich. In the evening of 13 August, he informed me that they unearthed an unique iron artifact – an axe dating back to the Milograd Culture, which is approximately the first half of the 1st millennium BC,” Vadim Lakiza said.
The research will continue into October. “The settlement in Lyuban District is a historical and cultural value that will be thoroughly explored as it will not remain intact. Nezhinsky mining and processing factory will be built there. This is a big investment project for our country. Once the settlement is studied, it will be removed from the state list of historical and cultural values but the scientific information about it will be collected and preserved,” said the deputy director.
Conservation and rescue archeology is actively used in the new development areas. Works in Lyuban District is such an example. “If we talk about the permits issued for archaeological research, up to 75-76% of them is issued for such research. It is an international practice. It is the 21st century and life does not stand still. Intensive construction occurs everywhere. According to the Belarusian laws, archaeologists are invited to carry out an examination, identify new not yet studied historical objects and accompany research all over the country,” the scientist said.
