During construction work related to the redevelopment of the Kadykovsky market in Balaklava, archaeologists uncovered skeletal remains dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. This discovery was confirmed by the Crimean Regional Center for Archaeological Research.
The site, located on 40th Anniversary of October Street, partially lies within the cultural heritage site 'Gorodishche (Roman Camp) Kadykovskoe II century BC - I century AD; II-IV centuries; XIV-XVIII centuries.' This information is drawn from a state historical and cultural expertise report based on research conducted by Crimean archaeologists in 2022.
However, the discovered burials are not Roman. An archaeologist working on-site reported to ForPost that skeletal remains of a woman and child were found last summer, along with the skeleton of a man. Before the New Year, another child burial was uncovered. The graves exhibit a systematic arrangement, suggesting a meaningful burial site, likely part of an old cemetery from the 18th to 19th centuries.
In addition to the burials, various artifacts were discovered, primarily fragments of pottery, including pieces from the Roman period (II-IV centuries). 'These artifacts are currently being processed. We will determine which museum will accept the material during our work,' archaeologists noted.
Currently, specialists are working within the perimeter of the discovered Roman castrum, a military settlement. 'We are now dismantling the defensive ditch. This is quite labor-intensive, involving a significant amount of soil removal. Adjacent to the ditch is a sewage system, alongside Roman period utility pits around the outer perimeter. I believe there are more interesting finds ahead, as we have not yet reached the complex of buildings and structures inside the ditch,' an employee of the Crimean Regional Center for Archaeological Research stated.
It is important to note that the market in Balaklava’s Kadykovka is set for redevelopment, creating a unified complex with landscaping and an underground section for trading points and parking. There are no plans for a complete closure of the market during the construction work.