Exploring Novgorod (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
Novgorod for Russia is like Pompeii for Italy. Only Novgorod is still alive.
— Pyotr G. Gaidukov, deputy director of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology
Years ago, when I was living in Russia, I had the opportunity to explore the Kremlin-fortress and silver domed churches of Novgorod, founded (according to legend) in 859. Considered the “motherland of Russia,” Novgorod is where the first ruble, customs office, and school appeared in Russia. For its archaeological, linguistic, and historical importance, Novgorod serves today as a prime site for archaeologists. To learn about the most recent archaeological discoveries in Novgorod, please click here.
