Time ruins granite castles and covers towns with sand, but this makes it all the more interesting for archaeologists, armed with knowledge, shovels and brushes. Every year, in the warmer months, they head out into the fields to uncover more new pages of history. The archaeological season of 2025 proved to be challenging due to the torrential rains. However, the sunny, dry days, as if in compensation, brought sensational finds. With the help of staff from the Institute of History under Belarus‘ National Academy of Sciences, we have compiled a top five of artefacts that are revolutionising our understanding of ancient times.

Excavations are currently underway at the ancient city ramparts and the settlement along the Menka River, where the historical city of Mensk once stood. Each day brings new artefacts which prove that Minsk’s history is far older than we previously believed. The mysteries of the ancient settlement give no peace to Andrei Voitekhovich, Head of Archaeology Department for the Middle Ages and Modern Times at the Institute of History of Belarus' National Academy of Sciences.