Воинские традиции в детском костюме элиты позднеантичной Фанагории

Abstract

Warrior burials are not often found in late ancient necropolises of the Cimmerian Bosporus. Such burials rarely survive untouched by robbers. In this context, a recently discovered well-preserved large tomb in Phanagoria is a really unique find. After examining this grand two-chamber vault, archaeologists obtained a set of interesting data, but special attention should be paid to warrior traditions adopted by people who lived in the late ancient capital of the Asian Bosporus. The importance of warrior subculture of the Migration period for the urban elite is manifested in the use of warrior fittings in children clothes. It is a known fact that a buried man who belonged to the warrior class is marked not only by the weapons found with him, but also by shoulder belts, elements of warrior accessories fastened on his body in a certain way. The passing of such subculture through generations of Phanagorian noble men is greatly illustrated by finds from the vault where archaeologists found in situ remains of noble warriors and their descendants, children of various age. The children clothes were largely imitating the clothes of equestrian warriors. This outstanding archaeological situation expressly testifies to cultivation of warrior traditions among boys since their early childhood and pronounced external manifestations, including in elements of their costume, of male children’s inclusion in the warrior subculture.