Archaeologists of the State Museum-Reserve "Tavrichesk Chersonesos" with the help of volunteers and students from all over Russia have begun large-scale operations in the territory of the medieval fortress of Kalamita. This is one of the most interesting historical sights of the Crimean peninsula. The remains of a medieval fortification are surrounded by ancient temples and beautiful natural views, thanks to which many visitors constantly come here.
The first buildings on the monastery rock in modern Inkerman began to appear in the 6th century. Then it was a Byzantine fortification to protect the city of Chersonesos from the north, but it did not last for a long time - only a century. In the 15th century, Prince Alexey of Mangup restored the fortress, which received the name "Beautiful Cape" - this is how Kalamita is translated from the modern Greek language. Scientists are convinced that then it was rebuilt and residential quarters were erected here.
"The fortress turned into a significant city with internal buildings with facades. Kalamita performed an important function - it protected the only port of the Avlita principality until the end of the 18th century," said Evgeny Nedelkin, a researcher at the museum-reserve.
At the first stage of excavation, scientists plan to clear 100 square meters of territory. At the beginning of the work, it turned out that there was a residential Greek quarter - a narrow alley and a house that was destroyed by fire. After the archaeologists have finished with this site, they will begin to clear the 1937 excavation site. Then, during exploration, the ruins of an Orthodox church were discovered. All studies are planned to be completed by October 1.
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