Valuable archaeological finds discovered during Tallinn excavation
Valuable archaeological finds have been discovered in Tallinn during an excavation of the water and storm sewerage route near Freedom Square. It is highly probable that more finds may be found during further work, a Tallinn spokesman said.
Archaeologist of the Tallinn City Planning Board Ragnar Nurk explained the oldest part of the cultural layer, below Roosikrantsi tänav, on natural sand is dated to the early Iron Age according to ceramic finds and also contains construction traces which suggest there were local settlements.
The earliest forerunner of the current Roosikrantsi tänav was the road leading to the Harju Gate, which is represented by two layers of paving - according to a preliminary estimate from the 14th and 16th centuries.
Anu Aus, acting city center elder, said the findings had been unexpected: "It is difficult to overestimate these findings because these are very interesting settlement stages in view of the historical development of the city's population."
Deputy Mayor Kalle Klandorf said the discovery of the findings means a new roadworks schedule is needed as well as additional funding for research.
Depending on the amount of archaeological research needed, it is likely the deadline for completion of the works will be postponed.
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Editor: Helen Wright
