Rings, necklaces, and exquisite bracelets were buried by the ancients approximately 100 years before the Mongol invasion in the early 13th century.
Scientists have unearthed a series of medieval silver artifacts buried near the ancient city of Old Ryazan, the capital of a Rus kingdom that was besieged and plundered by Mongol forces in 1237, Live Science reported on September 1.
Jewelry unearthed near the city of Old Ryazan. (Photo: Maxim Pankin)
The treasure was discovered near a ravine located a few hundred meters from two small medieval settlements. Experts also found remnants of a cylindrical container that may have been made from birch bark, which was used to hold the silver artifacts, according to the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).
The silver artifacts weigh 2.1 kg and include 14 bracelets, 7 rings, and 8 necklaces. The jewelry is crafted with great precision. The variety of items led the research team to believe this was a cache of accumulated wealth rather than a set of jewelry for a specific outfit.
Burying treasures to prevent them from being discovered by the invading Mongols seems to have been quite common during the siege. Experts have identified over 10 treasures in this area, including the famous Old Ryazan Treasure, a collection of royal jewelry that was accidentally discovered in the 19th century and is now displayed in a church.
However, the newly discovered silver artifacts appear to have been buried during the late 11th to early 12th century, about 100 years before the Mongol invasion. Archaeologists at RAS concluded this based on the analysis of the jewelry styles and pottery found nearby.
This treasure predates the Old Ryazan Treasure and includes jewelry made using simpler techniques, reflecting an older style. The treasure also contains several hexagonal “grivna” ingots, a type of relatively small silver ingot that could be used as jewelry, weight measurement, or currency. The bracelets are intricately made, with the most complex one featuring three braided silver wires, adorned with embossed cross patterns and palm leaves at both ends.
The expert team stated that further studies on each piece, their manufacturing techniques, and metal composition will provide additional insights into the history of Old Ryazan and may even reveal the historical context in which the ancients buried the treasure.
