Roman-Era 'Sacrifice Site' Discovered
Archaeologists at a dig site in the town of Kohtla-Vanaküla uncovered what may be Estonia's largest known Roman-era sacrificial site on Thursday.
Archaeology enthusiast Mihhail Stadnik discovered the site one month ago. Stadnik said the find came unexpectedly because he had been seeking Viking coins, but his discovery was much older, tracing back to the time of the fall of the Roman empire, reported ETV.
The fast dig will be followed by a long analysis in research labs
University of Tartu archaeology professor Aivar Kriiska said one of the first things researchers will try to determine is whether the arrowheads and axe blades that were found have any remnants of wood. "We hope there is because then we can use carbon dating to find out their age. Then we will begin conservation and a comparative analysis. Every object must get a full comparison with similar objects from Estonia and neighboring countries," he said.
The years from 100-500 A.D. marked the golden age and fall of the Roman Empire in Europe. The Romans even reached as far as Estonia - the end of the world, in their eyes.
Kriiska believes the objects were most likely left by nomadic people at the end of the Roman Empire. He believes the ancient site was used for sacrificial purposes.