Copyright © 2021 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Archaeologists unearth unique amphora-shaped pendants in Poltava Oblast

Scythia
Photo: Oksana Doroshenko
Article by: Christine Chraibi
The Bilsk Historical and Cultural Reserve recently announced a remarkable find in a major archaeological dig in Poltava Oblast.

“Unique amphora-shaped glass pendants were discovered earlier this month during archeological excavations of a burial ground on Barvinkova Hill. This is the first time that we’ve managed to find such exceptional pieces of jewelry at this dig,” reads the statement of October 6, 2021.

Scythia
Photo: Oksana Doroshenko
Scythia
Photo: Oksana Doroshenko
Scythia
Photo: Oksana Doroshenko

The head of the expedition, senior researcher at the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Denys Hrechko, clarified that the individual ornaments were probably made in the 4th century BC. Comprehensive information concerning the actual find will appear only after a detailed study by specialists.

After processing, these artifacts will be presented at an exposition at the Bilsk Historical Museum.

Scythia
It is quite possible that the pendants were part of such a necklace. Photo: open source

 

The Bilsk settlement (Bilske horodyshche) dates back to the Scythian era (8th – 3rd centuries BC). It is a unique archaeological site of Ukraine’s important cultural heritage located on a hill on the banks of the Vorskla River near the village of Bilsk, Kotelva Raion, Poltava Oblast.

The settlement was first excavated in 1906 by Russian archaeologist Vasyliy Gorodstov and in 1958-76 by Ukrainians Trakov and Shramko.

The settlement consisted of three fortified outposts (Kuzemin, Western Bilsk and Eastern Bilsk fortifications), which are connected by a common earthen wall and moat 35km in length (Velyke Bilske settlement). The total area of ​​the settlement was approximately 4400ha.

Excavations have revealed large pit dwellings and several ash pits. The inhabitants were mostly farmers and herders, but they were also engaged in copper smelting, blacksmithing and weaving, and traded with the ancient states on the northern Black sea coast.

A number of scholars identify the Bilsk fortified settlement with the city of Gelon mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus.

Scythia
Approximate extent of Scythia within the area of the Eastern Iranian languages (in orange) in the 1st century BC. Image: open source

 

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!
Total
0
Shares
Related Posts