HISTORIC treasures dating back to before 1769 have been discovered at the site of the Pompey Museum development.

The museum is in the process of being restored after Vendue House, home to the museum in Bay Street, was destroyed by fire last December.

Workers found dozens of artifacts deep underground.

Archaeologist Michael Pateman said the haul included a range of finds, from glass bottles, shells and ceramics to pipes, metals and animal bones.

He said the finds could throw light on life in the Bahamas before 1800s. Before it became a museum in 1989, the building was used as a slave trading house and market place in the 1800s.

Mr Pateman said: "It would help us get a better understanding of the people who lived here.

"Not much information on Nassau as a city exists and as improvements are made throughout Nassau this may be our last chance to gain an understanding about the lifestyles of the people who lived here."

He said it was too early to tell what last week's discoveries showed, adding: "All I can say at this time is that they probably date prior to 1769."