Time capsule of medieval artefacts unearthed in Łasztownia excavation

Archaeologists have unearthed a time capsule of medieval artefacts on the island of Łasztownia in Szczecin, Poland.

Łasztownia, derived from lastagium (meaning a measure of cargo), emerged as a centre for port activity from the 13th century onwards.By the 16th century, historical records describe a thriving shipyard with granaries and warehouses, highlighting Łasztownia’s long-standing importance as a centre of trade, industry, and maritime craft.

Archaeologists from the National Museum in Szczecin have recently conducted an excavation ahead of the construction of a new building for the Teatr Współczesny.In earlier stages of the project, elements of pre-war urban development were uncovered, including foundations and cobblestone surfaces.

Deeper excavations into the medieval layers have found everyday items such as stoneware and horseshoes, in addition to a well-preserved wooden structure which experts suggest are the remains of a latrine or well casing.

Image Credit : Marcin Bielecki

The most notable discoveries however are preserved organic objects such as leather, pieces of footwear, and animal bone, providing unique insights into the everyday lives of the inhabitants and port workers during the Middle Ages.

Ceramic fragments, particularly stoneware vessels characteristic of the medieval period, were also collected and will undergo further analysis to identify the form and fabric.

Radosław Tomaszewski, archaeologist at the National Museum in Szczecin, said: “We are conducting pre-emptive research that will allow us to verify the area designated for development. This will give us time to calmly uncover the city’s history without delaying construction work”

“After documenting these remains, that is, in the second stage, we went deeper and uncovered the earlier history. The one that wasn’t preserved in written sources, on plans, maps, or photographs,” he added.

Mask reliefs unearthed for the duration of Castabala excavations.

Archaeologists have unearthed a brand new collection of masks reliefs for the duration of excavations withinside the historic metropolis of Castabala, Turkey.

During the Hellenistic period, the metropolis changed into called Hieropolis, meaning “sacred metropolis” – owing possibly to its distinguished sanctuary of the goddess Artemis Perasia. At this time the metropolis developed from a nearby stronghold into one of the maximum distinguished cultural and political centres of historic Cilicia.

Following the Roman annexation of the region, Rome set up Tarcondimotus because the ruler, who converted the metropolis into the capital of his patron kingdom. Under his dynasty, Castabala changed into reshaped to mirror the standard format of a Roman provincial metropolis, entire with the development of tremendous public buildings.

This blanketed colonnaded avenues, baths, metropolis walls, and a grand theatre able to seating hundreds of spectators – demonstrating Castabala`s position as a nearby hub for entertainment, civic activities, and cultural exchange.

Image Credit : Muzaffer Caglayaner - AA

Recent excavations in partnership among the Osmaniye Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and Osmaniye Korkut Ata University (OKÜ), have unearthed a chain of masks reliefs, bringing the whole quantity of comparable discoveries to 36.

Among the 5 newly found masks, one stands out: a remedy depicting an aged philosopher or philosopher. Dr. Demir of the OKU Archaeology Department explains, indicates that the theatre might also additionally have served as a discussion board for debates, recitations, and literary activities, an critical supplement to its position withinside the acting arts.

Beyond the inventive significance, the discoveries offer precious architectural data. The association of the reliefs gives insights into how the theatre`s level constructing at the start appeared, elevating hopes that researchers might also additionally in the future be capable of reconstruct the shape according with its proper design.