A fragment of an ancient gusli, aka Russian psaltery, has been found by archeologists in the historical center of Veliky Novgorod.

      The rare artifact was found in the cultural layer of the 11 century. The music instrument will be examined and restored.

      Excavations in Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street were started in the middle of May this year. The exploration area makes about 300 sq m. The cultural layer subjected to excavation works is about seven meters thick.

      In the course of work the archeologists have unearthed a few thousand individual finds. Among them is an early 4th century Roman copper coin, which is extremely rare for Russia, and an early 14th - 15th century unique ornament depicting a gusli player performing for soldiers.

      Scientists have found about 10 Arab and West European coins, as well as the stamp of Prince Svyatoslav Yaroslavovich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. Eight medieval birchbark manuscripts are also among the finds. Two of them contain something that could probably denote devils or oracle signs. Archeologists have also found bone-carved medieval skates.