Scientists suggest that in ancient times, heavy cannonballs were used for firing from mortars. These cannonballs were discovered near the walls of St. Sophia Cathedral in the 19th century, but their location has remained unknown until now.

"Most likely, the cannonballs date back to the 15th-17th centuries and were intended for mortars, artillery pieces used for high-angle fire. There are other theories, such as that they were projectiles for catapults or were dropped from the walls onto enemies, but these assumptions are less likely. Documents confirm the presence of mortars in Novgorod in the 17th century," said Ilya Khokhlov, the leading researcher at the museum.

Restorers will undertake the drying and cleaning of several cannonballs. This spring, they will be displayed in the exhibition "Defensive Structures of Ancient Novgorod," which will open in the restored Alekseevskaya Tower.