New Materials From Excavation «Orient» at Olbian Necropolis

Abstract

At the excavation site in Olbia in 2010—2019 a new sector was investigated in wide areas, which was called the «Orient» after the name of the nearest benchmark. The specific features of this site were established, which was used for burials from the middle of the VI c. BC before the beginning of the III c. AD. In this regard, the generalization of the results obtained has become relevant, as well as the introduction of finds from the Roman period into the scientific circulation. In total, 1064 m2 were uncovered during the research. The average depth was 1,0—1,1 m from the modern surface. The stratigraphy of the excavation is simple: a layer of turf and humus up to 0,2 m thick lies on top, below there is a layer of light (dark yellow) sandy loam with various impurities, and under it is a layer of red-colored pre-continental loam with separate inclusions of «white-eye». In this area, 70 burials of various types of different time periods were discovered, as well as 62 other objects associated with the funeral and memorial tradition. 24 burials and ten other objects are dated by the Roman period. Eight types of burial structures have been identified. Based on this, the following conclusions were identified. In the Roman period, rare types of burial structures appeared in the area under study, in number greater than in the rest of the necropolis. There is a lack of uniformity in the layout and direction of burials. The memorial sites are characterized by the complete absence of gravestones known at Olbian necropolis of the Roman period.