26 July 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Ukrainian Soldiers Uncover 6th–5th Century BC Burial Site During Fortification Works

In a remarkable archaeological find, soldiers from the 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade have uncovered an ancient burial site dating back to the 6th–5th centuries BC while constructing military fortifications in southern Ukraine.

The discovery began when Mykola, an excavator operator, unearthed a small amphora during excavation work. Recognizing its potential significance, he promptly reported the find to his colleague Yevhen, who has a strong interest in history. The two soldiers subsequently delivered the artefact to the Staroflotski Barracks Museum for further examination.

Museum experts confirmed that the amphora is of Ionian origin, specifically crafted for ritualistic purposes associated with burial ceremonies. This find indicates the site’s historical importance as an ancient burial ground.


The remains of an ancient vessel. Credit: 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade
The remains of an ancient vessel. Credit: 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade

In addition to the amphora, the team also discovered an oinochoe, a distinctive ancient Greek jug characterized by a single handle and three spouts, traditionally used for pouring wine during symposia—social gatherings that featured feasting and entertainment among aristocratic men.

Oleksandr, a former archaeologist and current military serviceman, commented on the significance of the findings, stating, “These are ritual objects made specifically for burials and brought from Greece. The intact condition of the vessels suggests that the individuals interred here likely held a high social status.”

Alongside the pottery, human skeletal remains were also recovered, offering researchers a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of the region’s ancient inhabitants. This discovery not only enhances archaeological knowledge but also sheds light on the customs and daily lives of people who lived in this area over two millennia ago.


A soldier in fortifications. Credit: 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade
A soldier in fortifications. Credit: 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade

The excavation site, located in Mykolaiv, a coastal city on the Black Sea, is believed to have been settled by various groups, including Greek city-states, between 1,000 BC and 400 BC. The artifacts and human remains have been entrusted to the museum, marking a significant contribution to the understanding of the region’s rich historical tapestry.

123rd Territorial Defence Brigade on Facebook

Cover Image Credit: 123rd Territorial Defence Brigade

Related Articles

Hagia Sophia May Collapse: Experts Sound Alarm Over 1,500-Year-Old World Heritage Monument

30 June 2025

30 June 2025

Beneath the grandeur of Hagia Sophia’s golden domes and sacred mosaics lies a ticking time bomb. With over 1,500 years...

7500-year-old cursed city of Iran

17 March 2023

17 March 2023

Sialk Hills, located in the southwestern part of Kashan city in Iran, was known among the locals as a ‘cursed...

Neo-Assyrian Writing Boards: The Role of Beeswax, Orpiment, and Carbon Black in 7th Century BC Writing Techniques

13 April 2025

13 April 2025

Recent scientific investigations into the writing boards excavated from the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud have shed new light on...

Unique work of Minoan art, the Pylos Combat Agate must be the David of the Prehistoric era

21 November 2021

21 November 2021

Found in a Greek tomb dating back 3,500 years, the artifact is so well designed that it looks as lively...

New Study reveals how England’s ‘White Queen’ worshipped a disembowelled saint at the Chapel of St Erasmus

5 December 2022

5 December 2022

A new study reveals the story of how England’s “White Queen”, Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV, once worshipped at...

A rare 3,300-year-old wooden yoke found in northern Italy

30 October 2023

30 October 2023

After eight years of complex excavation, recovery, and restoration, a rare 3,300-year-old wooden yoke discovered in a Late Bronze Age...

Ancient Tomb of Nomadic Horse Lord Yields Untouched Treasures and Weapons

2 May 2025

2 May 2025

A remarkable archaeological discovery near Grozny has unearthed an undisturbed Alanian tomb dating back over two millennia, revealing a wealth...

Evidence of Necromancy during Roman era in the Te’omim Cave, Jerusalem Hills: Oil Lamps, Spearheads, and Skulls

14 July 2023

14 July 2023

Te’omim Cave in the Jerusalem Hills may once have served as a local oracle where people communed with the dead...

Friendly Fire: Lost Battlefield from 1758 Found Near Fort Ligonier

16 July 2025

16 July 2025

A foggy evening in November 1758 nearly cost George Washington his life in a friendly fire skirmish between two groups...

2000-year-old Genuine Pompeii marble relief installed in a wall lining the staircase leading down to the basement in a Belgium home

22 December 2023

22 December 2023

An important marble relief depicting the earthquake of 62 AD, stolen from the ruins of ancient Pompeii in Italy in...

During the demolition work, a 2,500-year-old bull heads alto relievo was discovered in Sinop

20 April 2022

20 April 2022

During the demolition work of the buildings in front of the historical city walls for the City Square National Garden...

6000-Year-Old Salt Production House Rewrites Europe’s History

31 March 2021

31 March 2021

Archaeologists in the UK have found an ancient stone age-era salt-production house in North Yorkshire, estimated to be older even...

Climate Change Negatively Impacts 45 000-year-old Cave Paintings in Indonesia

13 May 2021

13 May 2021

Cave paintings from 20,000 to 50,000 years ago in Indonesia are in danger of extinction due to climate change. Indonesia...

The Enigmatic Architecture of Sacsayhuaman: The Sacred Stronghold of Massive Stones and Mysteries

14 March 2025

14 March 2025

Sacsayhuaman Fortress, located just outside Cusco, Peru, is one of the most astonishing archaeological complexes in the world. Initiated by...

Rare Langsax fighting blade with Viking origins discovered in Poland

20 August 2021

20 August 2021

Archaeologists working in the Wdecki Landscape Park in Poland’s Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship have discovered a rare langsax long knife with potential...