Researchers working at the site of Artezian in the Crimea (Ukraine) have discovered two hoards of buried treasure (one hoard shown here) dating to A.D. 45, a time when the people of the citadel were under siege by the Roman army. Here, two silver anklets, beads, numerous coins and a white, glass flask with a two-headed face, one side serious and the other happy.
The hoards were discovered beneath the torched citadel. In A.D. 45 the people of the town were trapped by the Roman army and knew they were likely going to die. Archaeologists believe the hoards may have been "funeral sacrifices" of sorts to prepare their owners for what was to come.
Among the discoveries from the hoards were gold rings with carved gemstones. They've been buried for nearly 2,000 years and a coin has apparently become stuck to this piece.
More treasures from the hoards: a silver brooch (left) depicting Aphrodite, goddess of love, alongside a pair of winged deities known as Erotes.
One of the hoards shown from a distance. Originally the treasures would have been inside wooden caskets that have since decomposed.
Work at Artezian has been ongoing since 1989 thanks in large part to the efforts of volunteers. There are other treasures the team has unearthed at the citadel that, while not part of the hoards, shed light on the people who lived there.
The people at Artezian had a fondness for sketching what we might consider "graffiti," as seen here.
Researchers also found numerous terracotta figures at the citadel, including this depiction of Demeter, Greek goddess of the harvest.
These ancient decorated spindles were also found on site.
The citadel was torched by the Roman army in A.D. 45, with many of its inhabitants likely killed. Some time afterward Artezian was rebuilt with stronger fortifications although it, along with the rest of the Bosporan Kingdom, was under the sway of Rome.
Another image of the citadel.
