While building defensive fortifications in southern Ukraine, servicemen from the 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade stumbled upon a remarkable piece of ancient history—a burial site dating back to the 6th–5th centuries BC.
An Accidental Discovery Turns into an Archaeological Treasure
The discovery began when an excavator operator named Mykola noticed a small amphora buried in the soil. Recognizing its potential significance, he immediately alerted his comrade Yevhen, a fellow soldier with a passion for history. Together, they carefully handed the artefact over to the Staroflotski Barracks Museum for further examination.
Museum experts later confirmed that the amphora was of Ionian origin, crafted in ancient Greece for ritual use during burial ceremonies. This type of amphora was not a common household item—it had ceremonial value, indicating the grave’s importance.
Further exploration of the site revealed that it was in fact a burial ground from the 6th–5th centuries BC. Among the other objects unearthed was an oinochoe—a traditional Greek wine jug with a single handle and three spouts. These vessels were typically used during symposia, social gatherings where men would drink wine, share stories, and enjoy entertainment.
Clues to Ancient Life and Status
“These are ritual objects specifically made for burials and brought here from Greece. The fact that they were found fully intact suggests the deceased were of high social status,” explained Oleksandr, a former archaeologist and lecturer at Vasyl Sukhomlynskyi Mykolaiv National University, who now serves in the military.
In addition to the vessels, human skeletal remains were recovered and passed on to specialists for further study. These remains could offer invaluable insights into the people who lived in the region over 2,500 years ago—their customs, beliefs, and way of life.
This extraordinary find not only sheds light on Ukraine’s deep-rooted historical ties with ancient Greece but also stands as a powerful reminder that even in times of war, the past continues to speak—sometimes from beneath our very feet.
