In the Plakan ravine of Staraya Ladoga, Leningrad Oblast

In the Plakan ravine of Staraya Ladoga, Leningrad Oblast, archaeologists have discovered an ancient Christian burial site that may date back to the era of Rurik.

Consensus

Archaeologists conducted excavations at burial mound No. 11 in Plakun, Staraya Ladoga, Leninggrad Oblast.
The site is associated with the early period of Rurik and the legendary arrival of the Varangian prince in 862 AD.
A cross over a thousand years old was discovered at the site.
A battle axe was found among the artifacts.
Ship rivets (ladeynye zaklepk) were recovered from the burial complex.
The discovery may represent one of the earliest Christian burials in Eastern Europe.
A time capsule from 1968 was also found at the site.
All findings will be sent for laboratory analysis.

Points of divergence

The burial mound is directly linked to Rurik's court and retinue, and the deceased may have been one of the first Christians in ancient Novgorod (Old Ladoga). — vesti
The cross found was of Scandinavian type from the early Middle Ages. — vesti
A large warship or its fragments were burned above the burial site according to ancient Scandinavian tradition, based on analysis of ship rivets. — vesti
The time capsule contains a message from predecessor archaeologists. — interfax
The time capsule is described as 'a letter from colleagues of the past'. — fontanka

Coverage (5 sources)

Expert told about the cross and nail heads found in the Plakan ravine — Вести
Millennium Cross Found in Burial Site Linked to Rurik in Staraya Ladoga — Интерфакс
Ancient burial with battle axe and 1,000-year-old cross found in Staraya Ladoga — Фонтанка
Archaeologists in Staraya Ladoga Found a Christian Burial from the Rurikid Era — Ведомости
Archaeologists Discover Oldest Christian Burial of the Rurikid Era in Staraya Ladoga — Вести

In the Plakan ravine of Staraya Ladoga, Leningrad Oblast

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (5 sources)

Key entities

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