In Odessa, near the monument to Duke de Richelieu on Primorsky Boulevard, students of the Ushynsky South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University and researchers from the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine have completed archaeological excavations.
The news was shared by Andriy Krasnozhon, Rector of the Ushynsky South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University.
“Archaeological expedition on Primorsky Boulevard in Odessa is complete. An exceptionally successful season in terms of findings,” Krasnozhon wrote.
Among the most significant discoveries were 14th-century archaeological materials of Genoese origin, found near the monument to Duke de Richelieu. These findings indicate that the area initially had a cultural layer of Italian origin, known as Ginestra, followed later by an Ottoman fortress. Remnants of fortifications from that era were discovered near the funicular.
Krasnozhon promised to provide more detailed information about the excavation results soon.
In a comment under the historian’s post, Ivan Liptuga, Director of the Department of Culture of the Odessa City Council, stated that this is a major event for the city, the country, and for history.
“This will now become one of the attributes of the site's universal value as part of UNESCO World Heritage,” Liptuga added.
He also noted: “Glass could be installed above the fortress remains on Primorsky Boulevard, and the outline of the structure could be marked with tiles of a different color. If this plan is approved, a bronze informational plaque will also be installed, explaining what once stood on this site.”
The Maritime Republic of Genoa was an oligarchic republic governed by merchants, which prospered from 1005 until 1797, when it was occupied by Napoleon's troops. During the Middle Ages, it created a vast commercial empire thanks to a network of ports and trading posts from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, all the way to the European Atlantic coast. In particular, it dominated the Black Sea from 1266 to 1475, where all present-day port cities were once its colonies. The Genoese Black Sea dominions, especially the rich dominion of Crimea, were later absorbed by the Ottoman Empire.
