Soldiers from Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Force No. 126 accidentally discovered a valuable ancient two-handled jar while digging defensive trenches in Odesa, preparing for further attacks from Russian forces.
The ancient two-handled jar was discovered by Ukrainian soldiers while they were digging trenches. (Photo by the Territorial Defense Force No. 126 of Ukraine).
According to Heritage Daily, two-handled jars are artifacts that were used by ancient peoples to store and transport food, both liquids and dry goods.
These jars are primarily associated with ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. However, the use of two-handled jars can also be traced back to the Neolithic period.
The Ukrainian soldiers discovered this ancient two-handled jar while digging defensive trenches to protect Odesa, the third most populous city in Ukraine, which is a major port and transportation hub on the southern coast of the country.
This type of two-handled jar is believed to date back to around the 3rd to 4th centuries AD. During this time, Odesa was a Roman settlement known as Odessus, which developed from a Greek colony.
Due to the current intense and complex conflict in Ukraine, archaeologists are unable to announce or visit this site for excavation.
However, members of the Territorial Defense Force No. 126 carefully recovered the two-handled jar along with several pottery fragments and transported them for preservation at the Odesa Archaeological Museum.
The ancient jars have been transferred to the Odesa Museum. (Photo by the Territorial Defense Force No. 126)
The Territorial Defense Force No. 126 of Ukraine is a reserve force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is part of the Southern Operational Command.
“Ukrainian soldiers dug trenches and found the ancient jar. It has been transferred to the museum. We must preserve our history,” said Yana Suporovska, a journalist from Kyiv.
