Archeologists have discovered another finds that refer to the earlier date of founding of Polotsk. Out of 8,000 artifacts found this year almost 200 of them date back to the late 8th century, BelTA learnt from Denis Duk, head of the history department of the Polotsk State University. 

The radiocarbon analysis has confirmed the age of the artifacts. The archeologists have again called in question the date of founding of Polotsk (862). According to Denis Duk, various artifacts (ceramics, iron pikes and other items) show that in the late 8th century Polotsk was a well-developed trade centre that could be compared with Great Novgorod in its foreign-economic ties. At the same time, the soil investigation shows that a huge settlement existed there in B.C. The settlement was founded by Baltic tribes. With the arrival of the Slavs, it turned into a town, one of the most ancient towns in Eastern Europe. 

During the current excavations, archeologists unearthed the foundations of religious buildings and households. The analysis of these finds has raised many questions. For example, what is the sacral meaning of a 15th century human burial in the foundation of a house? According to Denis Duk, the foundations of the ancient buildings will be open to general public in the future.

The first archeological excavations were made in Polotsk in early 20th century. In accordance with the Polotsk town development programme for 2008-2012 approved by the Head of State, in 2008 the permanent archeological expedition was launched to study the Polotsk land, to unearth the ancient layers. This year, the Polotsk scientists, who study Rogvolodovo ancient settlement, were joined by a team of archeologists of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences. They have been studying the ancient settlement of Zabolotje. The scientists intend to start publishing the materials about their expeditions in 2010.