Ancient Greek Inscription Unearthed at Ochamchira Archaeological Site

SUKHUM / AQW'A — Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at the site of the ancient city of Gyuenos in Ochamchira, Abkhazia. A limestone column bearing an ancient Greek inscription has been unearthed, marking an important find in the ongoing excavations conducted by Abkhazian and Russian archaeologists over the past five years.

Arkady Dzhopua, Director of the Abkhazian State Museum and leader of the expedition, provided details about the discovery: "My colleagues and I have preliminarily dated the column to around the 6th century CE. We'll begin a thorough study after the current field season concludes."

This find is particularly noteworthy due to its rarity in the region. The inscription on the column will require careful translation, a task that will involve scholars proficient in ancient Greek.

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In addition to the inscribed column, the excavation has yielded various other artifacts, including ceramics, black-glazed vessels, amphorae, and plinth tiles. These items provide valuable insights into life in this ancient Black Sea port city.

The current excavation season at the Ochamchira site began on 16 July 2024. The research team comprises experienced archaeologists from Abkhazia and Russia, alongside students from Sevastopol, Crimea, offering the next generation of researchers valuable field experience.

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of the ancient city of Gyuenos but also highlights the importance of continued archaeological research in uncovering the past.