Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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A rare amulet depicting a snake-legged woman has been restored in Moscow. This artifact was discovered during archaeological excavations on Druzhinnikovskaya Street in the capital's Presnensky District.
"Similar amulets were found in Ancient Rus' in the 12th and first half of the 13th centuries. Their origins are linked to similar jewelry made in Byzantium. The discovered amulet is rare, as it depicts a snake-legged, rather than the snake-haired, mythical creature typically depicted on such medallions," explained the head of the Moscow Department of Cultural Heritage.
The front of the amulet depicts the Baptism of Christ, while the back features a snake-legged woman. Experts suggest that the creature depicted on the amulet was inspired by the statue of Scylla erected in the Hippodrome in Constantinople. In 1204, this monument was destroyed by the Crusaders who captured the city.
The find will be transferred to the Moscow Museum as part of the collection.
Archaeological research was conducted on the site of the former Presnensky Ponds. In the second half of the 14th century, these lands belonged to the Serpukhov Prince Vladimir the Brave. His will left the lands to Metropolitan Photius. The Novinsky Monastery was founded nearby, and over time, the entire surrounding area was transferred to it. The monastery leased the lands, but by the 15th–17th centuries, it already had its own large and well-developed monastery farm.
In 1683–1684, ponds were dug in the Presnya River floodplain for fishing. By this time, the area around them was well developed: a mill was in operation, and bridges and dams had been built. A woodshed was located on the western side of the ponds, and a pond keepers' yard was on the eastern side.
By the mid-18th century, some of the ponds came under the control of the palace expedition. They began to breed crucian carp, bream, perch, and roach in the ponds. The shoreline was fenced with wooden fences to protect the fish from poachers.
In the early 19th century, Presnensky Ponds became a favorite place for city residents to stroll. But by the end of the century, the park was closed, and in the early 20th century, the riverbank was sold for private housing development. As urban development expanded, the decision was made to divert the Presnya River underground by the 1920s.
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