Rare Ivan III-Era Seal Discovered in Moscow – A Historic Russian Treasure Unearthed
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| Rare Ivan III-Era Seal Discovered in Moscow – A Historic Russian Treasure Unearthed. |
Hey history buffs! There’s an exciting discovery straight from the heart of Moscow that’s making waves among archaeologists and history lovers alike. A rare medieval seal from the era of Ivan III — also known as Ivan the Great — has just been uncovered in Romanov Lane, right in the city center!
This isn’t just any old artifact. According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, the item is a princely lead seal, the first of its kind ever found in the capital. Even cooler, it’s considered the last of its era, before Russia shifted to using wax seals for official documents.
One side of the ancient seal features an image of Saint George slaying the dragon, a powerful symbol in Russian heritage. The other side bears an inscription in Old Church Slavonic that reads: “Seal of Grand Prince Ivan Vasilyevich.” Back in the day, seals like this were used to authenticate major state documents, both domestic and foreign.
The seal was found in a cultural layer dating back to the early or mid-16th century, not far from the Znamensky Church in the Sheremetev estate — an area that's been undergoing extensive archaeological digs for years. Over 3,000 artifacts have been discovered at this site so far, but this seal is being hailed as the most significant find yet.
Let’s talk about Ivan III for a sec. This guy played a massive role in shaping the Russian state. Under his leadership, Russia became more unified, the Mongol yoke was finally thrown off, and he introduced the Sudebnik, one of the earliest legal codes in the country. Ivan III was also responsible for the reconstruction of the Moscow Kremlin, including its iconic towers and walls, as well as the construction of the Assumption Cathedral, Russia’s central church at the time.
The seal has already been restored and will soon be handed over to the Museum Fund of the Russian Federation, where it’ll be preserved and showcased for the public to see and appreciate.
This discovery isn't just exciting for archaeologists — it’s a powerful reminder of Russia’s rich and layered history. A small object like a seal holds an incredible amount of political, cultural, and historical weight. Who would've thought a piece of lead buried for centuries could tell such an epic story?
If you're into history or archaeology, this is proof that there are still amazing treasures out there waiting to be found beneath the streets of modern cities.
