Illegal Archaeological Excavations Destroying Artesian Settlement in Crimea

In Crimea, illegal archaeological excavations are ongoing, systematically destroying Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar cultural heritage.

For the third consecutive month, Russian occupiers have conducted unauthorized digs at the ancient Artesian settlement (6th century BCE – 4th century CE), located near Kerch.

The site covers 7 hectares and was initially a Greek colony, later becoming a fortified settlement of the Bosporan Kingdom.

The excavations came to light after the discovery of several artifacts, including:

• a coin minted under King Sauromates I

• a bronze fibula

• a teardrop-shaped miniature inlay for a ring or pendant made of carnelian or ruby

• a fragment of a white marble statue of Zeus Genarchus and Soter

• Bosporan bronze coins

• a fragment of a terracotta theatrical mask depicting hair, forehead, and an eye

• fragments of the fortress wall

These findings highlight the historical value of the settlement and the devastating impact of illegal excavations on cultural heritage.

📸: Voice of Crimea. Culture