Princely Halych: Intriguing Prospects for Archaeological Research

Ihor Koval

doi:10.15330/jpnu.1.4.60-72

Abstract

According to statistical data, permanent and local archaeological researches have coveredonly about ten per cent of the territory of Princely Halych, which opens up endless possibilities forresearch at the site of the ancient city. The chapter highlights the importance of the scientific andpopular works by Antin Petrushevych, Lev Lavretskyi and Izydor Sharanevych, who in 1882initiated the archaeological research on the mighty Principality of Halych (Galicia) and its capital,and the excavation of the first Christian church in Halych – the Church of the Holy Saviourmentioned in the Kyivan Chronicle. The little-known works of these scientists, which werepublished in Lviv newspapers in the 1880s, clearly show that Lavretskyi and Sharanevych’sfindings received international acclaim and were a significant factor in rousing nationalconsciousness and stimulating social activity of the Galician Ukrainians. It is difficult to explain thelack of interest in carrying out excavations outside the perimeter of the foundations of the Church,which could have enhanced the social, historical, topographical analysis of the monument and itssurroundings. A particular fact that proves the importance of such research is the discovery ofpendant seals, which modern sphragistics attributes to Prince Volodymyrko Volodarevych (1141-1153). This conclusion is in good agreement with the Kyivan Chronicle and the findings of thearchaeologists who excavated the Church of the Holy Saviour. All these facts provide grounds forthe hypothesis concerning the location of the State Chancellery and the mysterious Palace of the12th century Lords of Galicia.

Highlights

One of the most important sources of information on the history of excavations of the Church of the Holy Saviour is a series of articles published by Lev Lavretskyi, the parish priest of the village of Zalukva, in Lviv newspaper ‘Зоря’ (‘The Zoria’) in 1882-1883
The author expressed his full support of the hypothesis put forward by Professor Izydor Sharanevych of Lviv University, who suggested that the capital of the Principality of Halych was located far from modern Halych, between the mouths of the Limnytsia and the Lukva, which flow into the main-stem Dniester River
Petrushevych examined the existing ruins of the churches dating back to the Princely epoch, ramparts, the walls and towers of the Polish Starostyn Castle in Halych. He published the results of his research in ‘Вестник народного дома’ (‘The People’s House Newsletter’), Lviv [27, p. 26]; the main aim of the research was to examine the sites of the ancient settlements and to locate Princely Halych and its Holy Assumption Cathedral

Summary

Introduction

One of the most important sources of information on the history of excavations of the Church of the Holy Saviour (the Holy Spas) is a series of articles published by Lev Lavretskyi, the parish priest of the village of Zalukva, in Lviv newspaper ‘Зоря’ (‘The Zoria’) in 1882-1883. The whole complex of archaeological finds discovered at the site of the Church of the Holy Saviour dated back to the mid- or the second half of the 12th century.

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