The discovery has sparked an archaeological mystery, with experts unable to confirm whether the family died from plague – or were butchered by local tribesmen.
The Russian crypt was littered with bodiesCredit: VOLNOYE DELO FUND
The family was buried 16 feet below groundCredit: VOLNOYE DELO FUND
Rare artefacts buried with the family indicate high status or wealth
Archaeologists say the “noble” family was buried at the site in Fanagoriya, Russia around 1,500 years ago.
The adult male skeleton was found buried with riding stirrups and spurs, according to the Russian Academy of Sciences.
He was also equipped with a sword-belt, which suggests he was a mounted warrior.
And the 16-foot-deep crypt also contained valuables, indicating wealth or high status.
Archaeologists think the family may have been butchered by local tribesmen
It’s likely the crypt belongs to a noble warrior familyCredit: VOLNOYE DELO FUND
It’s also possible that the family were killed by plagueCredit: VOLNOYE DELO FUND
Skeletons were unearthed at the lost Russian city of Fanagoriya, founded by Ancient Greek colonistsCredit: VOLNOYE DELO FUND
This ancient warrior may have been like a real-life version of Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones.
“Judging by what we have found here, the man served the city’s army,” said Aleksei Voroshilov, who led the dig.
“He was a horseman, because we found riding stirrups and spurs too.
“There is also a leather harness attached to a belt, which was used to carry a sword.
“The buckles on the harness are really worn out, which means this warrior has seen a lot of fighting.
“He was unsheathing and sheathing his sword again and again.”
The long-dead warrior was also buried alongside his wife and three children.
It’s not clear how they died, but archaeologists believe they may have been killed by the plague.
Another leading theory is that they were butchered by nomadic tribesmen in the local area.
The eerie burial site was dug 1,500 years agoCredit: VOLNOYE DELO FUND
The ancient lost city has produced important artefacts
In any case, the dig site at Fanagoriya is of huge interest to archaeologists.
The site is believed to have major historical importance to Christianity, and has produced a number of rare artefacts.
“This year we have discovered very accurate and strong evidence that Christianity was founded in Fanagoriya in the fifth century, which is a marble tabletop, which could be used as an altar in a church,” said Aleksei.
“We have discovered a marble baptistery for infants or probably for toddlers as well. It is not very big, nevertheless it is massive and made from marble.
“One of our underwater expeditions discovered a ship some time ago, which was sunk following the uprising in Fanagoriya against Mithridates VI of Pontus which occurred exactly in 62 BC.
“This ship is one of the most ancient ones ever found in the world.”