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Archaeologists discover medieval forge during excavations in Oshmyany District

MINSK, 12 August (BelTA) - A forge dating back to the 10th–11th centuries was discovered by archaeologists during excavations in Oshmyany District, Pavel Kenko, a researcher at the Department of Archaeology of the Middle Ages and Modern Times of the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, told a press conference in Minsk on 11 August, BelTA has learned.

Research on the Golshany archaeological complex in Oshmyany District has been ongoing for about 20 years. This year, archaeologists discovered a forge from the 10th - 11th centuries there. “We found a sturdy foundation made of stones, and on its grounds we discovered items indicative of blacksmithing: production waste, defective products, and items with traces of repair,” Pavel Kenko noted.

Among the finds were also several knives, keys, snow cleats and pieces of armor. Several items not directly related to blacksmithing were also found in the forge: beads, womenэs pendants, and pottery, including some with maker's marks.

According to Pavel Kenko, research was also conducted at other archaeological sites in Oshmyany District. In particular, archaeologists studied a burial complex for soldiers. Cremated remains of warriors were found along with their belongings and fragments of armor (pieces of chainmail and lamellar armor). "Along with the cremated remains of the warriors, evidence was found of the burial of war horses, and also dogs and possibly birds (this remains to be determined),” the researcher added.

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