Archaeologists in Crimea have discovered an early-medieval burial ground on the Mangup plateau, revealing gold and silver jewelry once owned by noble women.

The Almalyk-dere necropolis, dating from the 4th to 6th centuries, is the largest of its kind in the region.

The unearthed items include brooches, gold earrings, belt accessories, and shoe buckles, with remarkable preservation, including earrings with precious stone inserts.

One crypt also contained a decorated “pyxis” for storing makeup, the Greek Reporter has reported.

Researchers suggest that the graves likely belonged to elite women, highlighting the site’s significance as a burial ground for the noble class of southwestern Crimea.

Written by B.C. Begley