Archaeologists have uncover gold and silver jewellery at a burial site near Sevastopol, Crimea, believe to have use by an elite society between the fourth and 6th centuries. The site, Almalyk-dere necropolis, locate on the Mangup plateau approximately 16 kilometres east of Sevastopol, has the focus of excavations led by researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences and V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University.
The burial ground is thought to have belong to aristocrats of a regional Christian principality during this period, as detailed in reports.
Two crypts containing elaborate jewellery and artefacts were examine, as per the sources.
The items discover include gold earrings inlaid with red gemstones, likely garnet or carnelian, fibulas, gold foil appliqués, shoe buckles, and decorated belts.
Archaeologist Artur Nabokov from the Institute of Archaeology of Crimea said in reports that the fibulas were locally craft, while the earrings were likely import.
These findings suggest that the burials were associate with wealthy women, as per expert analysis.
The Mangup plateau, dominate by the Mangup Kale fortress, is recognise for its historical significance, with evidence of occupation spanning over 5,000 years.
6th-century Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea identified the region as part of Gothia, a Christian principality formed by Ostrogoths who rejected Theodoric the Great’s Italian campaign.
The latest excavations also unearth a pyxis, an animal horn container use for cosmetics, with other artefacts.
The site has studied since the 19th century and remains a focal point for understanding Crimea’s diverse historical phases, as per reports.
Researchers also explore a Christian cave monastery and a Muslim burial ground from later periods, adding to the site’s complex archaeological narrative.
