vesti.az
Scientists are going to study the subsurface part of Derbent fortress in Dagestan using muon radiography, reports IA Interfax. The structure dates back to about 300 A.D.
Dagestan administration explain that only a small part of the dome can be seen from the surface, while the whole 12 m structure is hidden underground. Scientists previously believed the structure had been used as a water storage, however a new theory appeared later. According to the most recent findings the building may prove to be the oldest Christian temple in Russia. Arabs could have buried it underground after they had conquered the city about 700 A.D.
Not all scientists support this hypothesis. A modern scanning technology will be required to clarify the situation. Scanning will help to understand what the building may have looked like. Now the scanning data is being interpreted.
Excavations in the area are impossible, because the fortress is listed as UNESCO heritage. Besides, the walls may collapse if the soil is removed.
Scientists used the same technique to discover a secret room in Khufus’ tomb.
Russkiy Mir
