In 2008 the National Museum of Warsaw began archaeological excavations in Crimea at the site of an ancient Greek town of Tyritake (Kerch), which was founded by Greeks in 6th century BC. Six years of active work brought many interesting findings and discoveries, but after the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014 the archaeological research was suspended for an indefinite period. After a year long pause, the Museum renewed collaboration with Ukrainian colleagues as part of the modified project “Antique monuments of the Black Sea” in the new location: Olbia, one of the richest and most important Greek colonies in this part of the Black Sea coast.
The first digging season in Olbia took place from July 9 to August 20, 2016. During this time archaeologists managed to uncover more than 340 artifacts, in particular about 40 valuable coins from the time the town and the fortress were functioning. Some of the findings and the process of their discovery can be seen at the exhibition. The exhibition will include 18 stands with texts, maps, and photos, dedicated to the Polish-Ukrainian archaeological mission in Olbia.
Grand opening of the exhibition with the participation of Doctor Alfred Twardecki, director of the Polish archaeological mission, and his Ukrainian colleague Doctor Alla Buiskhykh will take place on July 15 (Saturday) at 12:00.
Co-organizers: National Museum of Warsaw / Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine / Hellenic Foundation for Culture / General Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Odesa