Pipeline works unearth artefacts in Moscow

Archaeologists supervising the underground water pipeline repairs at Bolshaya Lubyanka street in Moscow, discovered sections of a 17th century wooden pavement and an assortment of artefacts dating back to 16th century AD.

Various artefacts found at the site (by Alexey Kudenko)

The sections of 17th century wooden pavement were discovered at a depth of about 1-2 meters below ground, beneath a layer of 19th century cobblestone pavement. Moreover, archaeologists have discovered a large number of smaller artefacts, including 17th-19th century horseshoes, 18th century copper coins, nails and pottery shards. According to the experts, most of the smaller finds date back to the 19th century, likely due to a fact that back then Lubyanka Square hosted a drinking fountain – a popular destination for pedestrians and coachmen alike.

Excavations of wooden pavement (by Sergey Pyatakov)

Another important find was made in the vicinity of Staraya Square where archaeologists stumbled upon traces of filled ditches that were part of the Kitay-gorod Wall fortifications built in the 16th century in order to protect the city from a possible invasion by Crimean Khan. Among the finds were also smaller artefacts such as tile fragments, pottery shards and copper coins.

Pieces of pottery found n Moscow (by Alexey Kudenko)

(after Sputnik, Alexey Kudenko & Sergey Pyatakov)

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