An archaeological discovery by chance .. a surprise for Ukrainian soldiers while digging trenches

While the Ukrainian army was digging trenches in the city of Odessa in preparation for a possible Russian attack, soldiers accidentally found artifacts dating back hundreds of years.

The “126th Brigade” of the Ukrainian army in charge of defending Odessa discovered artifacts dating back to the third century AD, while it was building fortifications and trenches to defend the coastal city, which is exposed to Russian missiles.

The artifacts found included a tractor that was used to store liquid or dry goods, according to the United Press International news agency.

Researchers say the shape of tall jars with a neck was common in ancient Roman, Greek and Byzantine settlements.

According to the “Heritage Daily” website, these jars date back to between the third and fourth centuries AD, when Odessa was a Roman settlement known as “Odysses”.

Due to the conditions of the war in Ukraine, archaeologists were unable to document the discovery site, and the 126th Brigade was satisfied with handing over the pieces to workers in the Odessa Museum.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that about 127 Ukrainian archaeological or cultural sites, including religious and historical buildings, museums, monuments and libraries, have been damaged since the start of the Russian military operation on February 24.