In Kiev in Sofia museum began a reconnaissance archaeological work for the future large-scale excavation. The task of scientists to determine the boundaries of the Cathedral XI century, to explore surface, the power of cultural backgrounds, to make stratigraphy of the area.
The archaeologists have laid three pits, two of which will be useful for future studies the features of the cultural layer of the estate of St. Sophia Cathedral. The third excavation revealed the fragments of an ancient Temple is located in the former garden of the Metropolitan. The Scientists believe that the temple has been repeatedly mentioned in the annals of St. Irene, however this is only a speculation, "as more in-depth studies will be held during the next year". By Timur Bobrowski the head of the archaeological sector Research Reserve.
Previous studies have led archaeologists to the remains of ancient stone baths XI century and fragments of the estate of the Metropolitan fence. Thearchaeologists also found the foundations of various structures of the XVII century. According to Timur Bobrovsky, the discovered artifacts will allow to determine the entrance to the dungeon and economic cellars of the Ancient Sofia Cathedral.
The expedition takes part in tandem of the National Reserve "Sofia Cathedral" on its own territory and the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Archaeology under the direction of Corresponding Member of NASU - Gleb Ivankin.
Anna Caro, based on RBC.