Archaeological Expedition Research Articles

Newspaper storage: infrastructures, places, practices. A media archaeological expedition into German newspaper studies in the early 20th century

Dans l’histoire des études de communication, les approches matérielles jouent rarement un rôle et n’ont pas été systématiquement explorées. Cet article vise à mettre au jour les premiers concepts matériels autour du journal dans les études allemandes sur les journaux au début du xx e siècle. Plus qu’aujourd’hui, les journaux étaient alors considérés comme des artefacts contenant des connaissances inhérentes qu’il fallait rendre accessibles et tangibles. Dans cette optique, les collections de journaux sont apparues comme des infrastructures et des espaces spécifiques pour l’archivage, la collecte, le stockage, la préservation et le traitement des journaux, offrant un accès matériel à la génération de connaissances. Ces développements seront étudiés en liant l’archéologie des médias et l’épistémologie historique à une perspective « pratique » d’histoire des sciences.

Местонахождения каменного века в Вади-аль-Аллаки (Верхний Египет)

Unpublished materials related to several open–type localities investigated by participants of the Nubian Archaeological Expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences during the 1962-1963 season in the Wadi al-Allaqi area were found in the Palaeolithic Department of the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Technical and typological analysis of stone artefacts allows us to attribute the collections under discussion to a long period from the Middle Stone Age to the Mesolithic. Materials and methods. The article examines the materials of three locations: Huqab-Abd-as-Salam 1, Huqab-Abd-as-Salam 4, Huqab-Karar. The classification of archaeological finds (186 items in total) was carried out according to various characteristics: raw materials. Many aspects, due to the incomplete was carried out according to various characteristics: raw materials. Many aspects, due to the incomplete preservation of field documentation and imperfect methods of investigating open-type locations of the 60s of the last century, cannot be clarified at this stage. Results and discussion. As a result of studying the finds from the locations of Huqab-Abd-as-Salam 1, Huqab-Abd-as-Salam 4 and Huqab-Karar, the authors came to the conclusion about the mixing of different materials within the collections, and the presence of at least two components: artefacts of the Middle Paleolithic; artefacts of the "Mesolithic" era. Conclusions. In the collections of the Huqab-Abd-as-Salam 1, Huqab-Abd-as-Salam 4 and Huqab-Karar localities, the authors assume the presence of at least two cultural components – Middle Paleolithic Levalloisian and "Mesolithic". Further study of materials from other locations may allow the authors to expand this picture somewhat.

Петроглифы Умм-Агаиба (Хукаб-Карара). По материалам Нубийской археологической экспедиции академии наук СССР. Часть 1. Племенные знаки

This article presents the research of petroglyphs discovered by Soviet archaeologists in 1962 and 1963 in course of epigraphic studies in Wadi al-Allaqi region within the framework of the archaeological expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences. 200 hieroglyphic inscriptions were discovered in Umm-Agaib, copied and subsequently published. As for the petroglyphs, due to lack of time they were not reproduced and studied. However, the photos of the rocks in Umm-Agaib preserved in the archive of one of the expedition members, A.V. Vinogradov, allow us to make trace drawings of the petroglyphs, to study and publish them. Materials and methods. In this article we publish the so-called tribal brands (Arabic Wasm, pl. Wusum), used by the Bedouins of the Middle East (Iraq, Syria, the Arab Peninsula, Egypt, Sudan) primarily for branding camels. However, brands were also tribe symbols of sorts, and as such were often drawn on tents, clothing, or tattoos. Wasm was used by the Bedouins as a territorial marker, as well as to indicate caravan routes or the tribe’s migration. As such the brands were drawn on the rocks at the campsites. Results and discussion. This article attempts to determine the time period when tribal brands were drawn on the rocks of Umm-Agaib, as well as to answer the question of who could have left them: the Blemmyes who inhabited the Nubian desert in late Antiquity; the Arabs who migrated to the region of present-day Sudan in the 9th-11th centuries because of the active gold mining in Wadi al-Allaqi region and caravan trade that connected the Red Sea port of Aidhab with the Upper Egypt cities; or the Beja, indigenous inhabitants of the Nubian Desert. Conclusion. The author comes to the conclusion that at the current level of our knowledge of the brands left in the Nubian Desert, it’s impossible to accurately determine the time period when they were drawn. So far, we can talk about a wide time range from late Antiquity to the present.

Root and root canal diversity in human permanent maxillary first premolars and first molars in inhabitants from the ancient Middle Euphrates Valley (Syria)

AbstractThe morphological and anatomical structure of the roots and root canals of human dentition is very diverse. This means that tooth morphology can effectively differentiate populations and be used in both contemporary and historical research populations. The aim of the study was to investigate whether historical populations from the Middle East showed variation in the number of tooth roots and the morphology of canal systems.The tooth material used for the research was obtained from three sites: Terqa, Tell Masaikh, and Jabel Mashtale (Syria) during archaeological expeditions. The odontological material has been divided into three historical periods: Bronze (2,650–1700 BC), late Roman (200–500 AD) with Islamic (600–1,200 AD), and Modern (1850–1950 AD). The teeth of 31 individuals of both sexes were collected for analysis, with a total of 73 teeth examined. The subjects underwent cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis.The greatest variation in the number of roots and root canal configurations occurred in the Late Roman and Islamic periods. In addition to the typical number of tooth roots and their characteristic root canal configurations, the presence of less typical morphological forms was noticed in each type of tooth analyzed during this period. This may indicate the influx of new genes and their mixing with local ones, which was reflected in the morphological variability.The presented studies, although they must be continued, already indicate that the analysis of root and canal variability broadens the spectrum of odontological studies conducted on historical populations.

Trypillian settlement Bilche Zolote Park I (based on the materials of surveys conducted by Valentyna Kravets in 1952)

Bilche-Zolote Park I belongs to the Zalischyky group of sites, so to determine its place (micro-chronology) inside the group, paintings on ceramics were considered and a comparative analysis with the decor of vessels from other settlements was conducted. Special attention is paid to motifs, elements of ornament, and color solutions. Finds discovered in 1952 were put into scientific use. This material was systematized and supplemented with vessels already known in the literature, excavated at the end of the ХІХ century. The site has three different layers of Trypillia: BI–BII (Bilche-Zolote Park I), B II (Bilche-Zolote Park II), and C I (Bilche-Zolote Park III). Emphasis is placed on the lower layer of Bilche-Zolotye, which belongs to the time of Trypillia BI–BII, and exactly it was found by Valentyna Kravets and Igor Sveshnikov during surveys in 1952 when the Trypillian detachment of the Podillya Archaeological Expedition conducted research in Bilche-Zolote Park. It is noted that the results of the explorations have not been published, and the materials are stored in the holdings of the Archaeological Museum of the I. Krypiakevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It is stated that the ceramic complex of Bilche-Zolote Park I shows similarities with other sites of the Zalischyky group. It is established that a comparison of motifs and elements of ornament demonstrates that the closest analogies are found among the ceramics of Zalischyky and Buchach. Upon closer inspection, it is noticeable that in terms of colors and motifs, ceramic ware of the Bilche-Golden Park I is more in line with Zalischyky one; in addition, some ornamental solutions (circles in the decoration of goblets, chess ornaments, and «grid») are found on the ceramics of these two settlements and are absent on other sites of this group. It is observed that in the ceramic complex of Bilche-Zolote Park I there are no such archaic styles as β (black and white painting, which forms a negative ornament, built of spirals and volutes) and the earliest variants of the α style, which, although in small number, are present in Zalischyky. It is concluded that the characteristics of the tableware of Bilche-Zolote Park I demonstrate its closer proximity to Zalischyky than to Buchach, which is one of the latest sites of the group. Key words: Bilche-Zolote Park, Trypillia, ceramic ware, painted ornament, Zalischyky group.

Fundamentals of legal regulation of archaeological research in independent Ukraine

The article reinterprets the process of legal support for archaeological research in independent Ukraine. The formation of the legislative framework for the protection and use of historical and cultural monuments was monitored. The «Regulations on the State Register of National Cultural Property» was considered. Attention is focused on the laws «On the protection of cultural and historical heritage» and «On the protection of archaeological heritage», which were adopted with the aim of improving the legal regulation of the protection and preservation of material remains of the past, and the effectiveness of their use in practice is analyzed. The relationship between the current legislation of Ukraine and the development of archaeological research is indicated. The powers of central executive bodies and other cultural heritage protection bodies, without which the implementation of archaeological research at the legislative level is impossible, are considered. Attention is paid to permits for conducting archaeological explorations, excavations and other earthworks. The importance of the preparation of scientific reports by archaeologists in archaeological activities was noted, and it was indicated that thanks to the detailed regulation of the process of conducting archaeological research and submitting scientific reports, the state of archaeological sources improved. Attention is focused on revealing the activities of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Department «Field Committee», which monitors the quality of professional excavations on the territory of Ukraine. The rights and responsibilities of archaeological heritage researchers are highlighted, the legal status of the archaeological expedition is considered. The main provisions of the Code of Ethics of a Professional Archaeologist, which was created to determine the basic moral and ethical norms of professional archaeologists' activities and their attitude to archaeological heritage, are reflected. Attention was paid to the activities of research centers: «Rescue Archeology Service» (1994), «Protection Archeology Service of Ukraine» (2001), «Centre of Archeology of Kyiv of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine» (2006), which allows identifying and saving valuable monuments tombs of different archaeological periods. It is noted that a significant problem in the field of archaeological heritage protection is the coordination of the activities of developers and subjects of economic activity with the bodies of cultural heritage protection. The importance of cooperation of state bodies for the protection of historical and cultural heritage with archaeological institutions was considered, it was noted that this cooperation will allow to develop an effective system of protection of archaeological heritage, to carry out professional certification of monuments of the past, to improve legislative and regulatory acts, which as a result could improve the state of preservation of monuments of archeology and reduce their theft. It is indicated that in 2021, the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine issued «Proposals on improving the legal protection of archaeological heritage...» to speed up the process of Ukraine joining the Council of Europe Convention, which will allow to more effectively fight against illegal construction works, «treasure hunters» and minimize destruction of archaeological monuments. Key words: monument protection legislation, archaeological heritage protection, archaeological research, scientific report, archaeological monuments.

Типология поливной керамики Билярского городища

Introduction. The paper discusses glazed pottery of the pre-Mongol era discovered within excavation section 44 of Bilär hillfort between 2015 and 2018. Earliest explorations of the archaeological site date back to the beginning of the 18th century but the first archaeological survey proper — that included a few shovel test pits — was conducted by A. Bashkirov in 1929. However, it was only in 1967 that A. Khalikov as head of the Bilär Archaeological Expedition arranged systematic investigation of the site. Studies of glazed ceramics from the pre-Mongol era became a priority area but its classification was never developed. Goals. So, the work attempts a description and systematization of the unique archaeological materials. Materials and methods. The work analyzes glazed pottery items discovered within excavation section 44 at the site of Bilär. The research methods employed for systematization are as follows: visual/descriptive, statistical, technological ones, those of comparative analysis and analogies. Results. The extensive glazed pottery collection examined attests to Volga Bulgaria had developed widest trade relations in the pre-Mongol period. The key directions included the Near and Middle East, Asia Minor, Rus, Byzantium, and the historical region of Shirvan (group of imports). Conclusions. The article yields a classification of glazed pottery items (both locally produced and imported ones), determines main trade directions and chronological frames for the latter to have arrived in the site. Insights into proportions between groups of imported ceramics and quantitative analysis make it possible to outline three chronological stages that essentially correspond to the heyday, apogee and decline of trade relations.

Типология поливной керамики Билярского городища

Introduction. The paper discusses glazed pottery of the pre-Mongol era discovered within excavation section 44 of Bilär hillfort between 2015 and 2018. Earliest explorations of the archaeological site date back to the beginning of the 18th century but the first archaeological survey proper — that included a few shovel test pits — was conducted by A. Bashkirov in 1929. However, it was only in 1967 that A. Khalikov as head of the Bilär Archaeological Expedition arranged systematic investigation of the site. Studies of glazed ceramics from the pre-Mongol era became a priority area but its classification was never developed. Goals. So, the work attempts a description and systematization of the unique archaeological materials. Materials and methods. The work analyzes glazed pottery items discovered within excavation section 44 at the site of Bilär. The research methods employed for systematization are as follows: visual/descriptive, statistical, technological ones, those of comparative analysis and analogies. Results. The extensive glazed pottery collection examined attests to Volga Bulgaria had developed widest trade relations in the pre-Mongol period. The key directions included the Near and Middle East, Asia Minor, Rus, Byzantium, and the historical region of Shirvan (group of imports). Conclusions. The article yields a classification of glazed pottery items (both locally produced and imported ones), determines main trade directions and chronological frames for the latter to have arrived in the site. Insights into proportions between groups of imported ceramics and quantitative analysis make it possible to outline three chronological stages that essentially correspond to the heyday, apogee and decline of trade relations.

Neolithic Burials in the Zelinda River Mouth, Northern Angara: Burial Practices and Radiocarbon Chronology

We describe new findings relating to Neolithic burials at two cemeteries in the Northern Angara area, excavated in 2012 by the Boguchany archaeological expedition. The sites are located at the outlet of the Zelinda—the right tributary of the Angara. Two burials were revealed at Ust-Zelinda-1, and five at Ust-Zelinda-2. We describe preserved remains and the funerary rite, and analyze radiocarbon dates generated from the human bones. On the basis of archaeological parallels, we attribute certain burials to the Isakovo culture. Burial practices include the use of “ocher” and the supine position of the buried along the Angara, heads to the south, upstream of the site. Calibrated radiocarbon dates, details of the funerary rite, grave goods and their typological characteristics, as well as the placement of graves within the cemeteries, suggest that three chronological groups existed within the 7499–5583 cal BP (5550–3634 cal BC) interval. The 14C date of the third group (5718–5583 cal BP, or 3769–3634 cal BC), details of the funerary rite, and grave goods are indicative of the Late Neolithic (Isakovo culture of the Southern Angara). Burials of the second group, which is the best represented (7157–6555 cal BP, or 5208–4606 cal BC), resemble those of the classic Isakovo tradition. The burial (without grave goods) attributed to the fi rst chronological group dates to 7499–7317 cal BP, or 5550– 5368 cal BC. It is hypothesized that “proto-Isakovo” traditions originated on the Northern Angara, having later spread to the Southern Angara.

ПОЛЬОВА АРХЕОЛОГІЧНА ШКОЛА – ЕЛЕМЕНТ СУЧАСНОЇ ОСВІТНЬО-НАУКОВОЇ СИСТЕМИ

The article is devoted to summarizing the experience of conducting summer archaeological field schools in Ukraine. During 2015–2021, the authors of this publication acted as organizers of archaeological schools. The successful result of such work was the involvement of historians in the excavations of monuments in Ukraine – Bilsk and Motronyn hillforts of the Scythian period, settlements and barrows, as well as monuments of the early modern era on the castle hill in Chyhyryn. In this way, school participants worked on different types of archaeological sites. The founder of this project was the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Oleksandr Mohylov, a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, became the head of the project. Specialists in archeology from Ukraine, Moldova, Poland and Japan were involved in the work of the archaeological school. The training of future specialists in the field of history and especially future archaeologists requires the mastery of special professional competences, including practical skills in working with archaeological sources and independently organizing and carrying out excavations. While studying at universities, students acquire some of these skills during internships. Recently, another form of organizing the educational and scientific process is gaining popularity – the summer field archaeological school. Scientific archaeological expeditions are often the basis for summer school organizations. The school allows you to combine practical work at archaeological sites, lecture courses on archeology and history, as well as excursion and educational activities. As a result, participation in the archeology school provides an opportunity not only to consolidate the acquired knowledge, but also to gain practical work skills. Such events are also useful from the point of view of professional development, they serve as a platform for the exchange of experience between specialists and allow the implementation of an approach in which the acquisition of new skills occurs throughout life.

DENTAL STATUS OF BRONZE AGE POPULATION FROM THE AREA OF MODERN POLTAVA REGION (ACCORDING TO THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL MATERIALS)

In modern medical science, and in particular in dentistry, regarding pathology, the following question is actual invariably: Have there always been manifestations of diseases as we see them today? At the same time, research on dental diseases in ancient people remains also a reliable source of knowledge about the causes of oral cavity pathology in the modern population.
 Therefore, it is important to study deviations from the norms of development and peculiarities of skeleton of populations in various periods.
 The purpose of the study. To investigate the condition of hard oral tissues in the Bronze Age population from the area of modern Poltava region by skeletal remains.
 Object and methods of research. For the analysis the bone remains of 47 representatives (4 children's, 20 women's and 23 men's skeletons) of population of the Bronze Age (middle of the 3rd millennium – the 2nd millennium BC), from the area of modern Poltava region (main group), from the mound located in the vicinity of the village Hittsi of the Lubenskyi district, discovered by the archeological expedition in 2021 were selected.
 Anthropological series of individuals living in the Bronze Age on the territory of modern Poltava region described earlier were taken as a control group for comparison.
 The materials were discovered during the archaeological excavations carried out in 1998-2012, where a total of 102 skeletons were examined (30 children's skeletons, women's skeletons among examined are 20, and male ones are 52.)
 The study of the material was carried out by the method of skeletal tissue analysis of ancient people, developed by the authors of this publication on the basis of the Laboratory of Medical and Historical Anthropology of the Municipal Establishment "Center of Protection and Research of Archaeological Monuments" of Poltava Regional Council and the Children's Department of Therapeutic Dentistry with prevention of dental diseases of Poltava State Medical University. The method provides maximum preservation of bone and teeth tissues.
 Research results. Differences in the dental status of the main group correspond to the results of the paleopathological analysis of the collective anthropological series of the Bronze Age control group from the area of Poltava region (where there were found 4 tooth cavities per 102 persons and in another 22 persons dental mineralized deposits were observed) which reflect a specific consequence of the negative impact of social factors and environment in places of residence. However, the difference was determined in the form of coverage of the chewing organs with teeth mineralized deposits. Discrepancy in the number of encounters of mineralized deposits in the teeth of the studied groups is probably explained by the difference in food consumption and possible differences in types of lifestyles, the possible tendency of the male population to long transitions.
 Conclusion. The general somatic status of the control group of the studied people corresponds to the state of health of the Bronze Age population of the main group from the area of Poltava.
 So, another 47 people of the Bronze Age showed the same dynamics of the development of dental pathology with previously studied skeletons of representatives of this time from the area of the modern Poltava region.

ОРТАҒАСЫРЛЫҚ СЫҒАНАҚТЫҢ ШЫҒЫС ҚАҚПАСЫ: ҚҰРЫЛЫМЫЖӘНЕ ЕРЕКШЕЛІКТЕРІ

The article summarizes the data of written sources about the medieval city of Syganak and the stages of the city's life. From the writings of medieval historians, travelers' reports, it is known about the location of the city and the political role of the city in the historical arena.Toclarify the information of written sources in the second half of the 19th century,Russian scientists visited there and specified the location of the city.In the 70s of the 20th century, members of the Otyrar archaeological expedition studied the topography of the city and marked its boundaries. For the first time, complex excavations at the settlement were carried out in 2003 by archaeologists of the International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.According to scientists, the results of the excavations and the recovered material confirm the information from written sources about the stages of the life of the city. The article highlights and describes the features of the construction technology of the eastern gate and the fortress wall, as well as an analysis of the building material. A comparative analysis of the gates of other medieval cities in the region was also carried out and preliminary scientific conclusions were made. Based on the artifacts obtained during the excavations, the authors proposed the dating of the eastern gate and the fortress wall. The article analyzes the excavation plans, and summarizes the results of the excavation of the eastern gate.

Ukrainian Archaeologists-Nonconformists of the Totalitarian Era

The article is devoted to the study of manifestations of intellectual resistance of scientists to the ruling regime during 1920—80s, which has signs of non-conformism. The author considers the concept of “non-conformism”, based on the definition of the Russian human rights activist Yu. F. Lukin: in every society there are not only those who support the official policy, indifferent conformists, but also those who disagree, dissidents who oppose the dominant religion, ideology, the existing political system, a way of life. The topic of non-conformism in archaeology was substantiated by Russian thinker L. S. Klein, who included G. A. Bonch-Osmolovskyi, S. M. Zamyatnin, O. M. Rogachev, O. L. Mongait, G. B. Fedorov and A. S. Formozov among them. L. S. Klein should be added to them. Among the Ukrainian archaeologists of the totalitarian era, the personalities of M. O. Makarenko, V. P. Petrov (Domontovych), M. Yu. Braichevskyi, B. M. Mozolevskyi, S. N. Bratchenko attract attention. They represent four generations of native scholars who consistently carried the baton of resistance to the ruling regime until its logical collapse in 1991, which they had foreseen. They deliberately chose public forms of protest through speeches, statements, lectures, creation and distribution of resonant scientific texts in the country and abroad. An important role was played by communication with colleagues and students in the archaeological expeditions they led. In the system of total control created by the authorities, non-conformists quickly became the objects of close attention from the State Security Committee. The declassified archives of the special services shed light on the methods of their work with a contingent of people dangerous to the regime, including: study, recruitment attempts, prevention and repressive forms of influence, up to execution (the fate of M. O. Makarenko). All mentioned researchers had gone through the control system. B. M. Mozolevskyi was saved from arrest thanks to the Pectoral he found. The system did not allow revealing and realizing the powerful creative potential of deviant creators. This did not save it, and irreparable damage was done to science.

Handmade Pottery from the Excavations at Bilsk Hill-fort Rampart Sector

The Bilsk archaeological expedition of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine explored a part of a rampart of the Great Bilsk hill-fort on the territory of the settlement in the Tsaryna Mohyla tract in 2016—2017. The building was found in the investigated area under the embankment of the rampart. It functioned before the construction of the defensive structures of the Great Bilsk hill-fort and was used as a place for the formation of the ash hill after destruction as a result of a fire. The embankment of the rampart was covered by the layers of the settlement from the inside, which continued to function after its construction. The archaeological layers were quite clearly separated, so during the excavations it was possible to get materials from individual stratigraphic horizons. Most of the finds are represented by local handmade pottery. An analysis of the complex of handmade pottery from individual horizons made it possible to give some conclusions about changes of the inhabitants’ pottery of the settlement in a short period of time (the end of the 7th — the first third of the 5th centuries BC). In general, horizons I—IV are characterized by minimal changes in the local ceramic complex. Materials from the cultural deposits of the pre-fortification period and the time of the creation of the fortifications indicate that the pottery traditions of the local population were transformed slowly and the main form of the complex remained stable. It is indicated by the use of slightly profiled pots as cookingware and most of them had an ornament in the shape of a molded roller on the rim or neck, sometimes on the body. Tableware (bowls, ladles) and containers (very large pots) have polished surface and archaic morphological features. There are no forms (jugs, mugs and vessels of small sizes) which are more typical for the Middle Scythian time. Only after the building of fortifications, at the end of the 6th — the first third of the 5th centuries BC (horizon V) more noticeable changes can be traced in the pottery of the population of the Bilsk hill-fort: appearance of cookingware with expressed body profile, disappearance of the ornamentation with molded rollers tradition, the fading of the tradition of polished tableware and containers, disappearance of some groups and the spread of new forms (jugs, mugs and small vessels). Thus, the study of the part of the rampart at the territory of the settlement in the Tsaryna Mohyla tract at the Bilsk hill-fort made it possible to consider a collection of handmade pottery dated from the end of the 7th — the first third of the 5th centuries BC. It was possible to divide these materials into close chronological groups with clear stratigraphy and trace certain changes in the material complex of the end of the Early Scythian / the beginning of the Middle Scythian periods. These results clarify ideas about the development of pottery traditions of the population in the forest-steppe zone between the Dnipro and Siverskyi Donets Rivers at the Scythian time.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEYS. MODERNITY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF M. P. KUCHERA

The paper presents a brief analysis of the territorial, quantitative, and qualitative scope of M. P. Kuchera’s explorations; organizational principles, methodological principles, and practical techniques for ensuring the functioning and livelihood of his archaeological exploration expedition are defined. The peculiarities of the methodology, research methods and style of the researcher’s scientific investigations are characterized.
 Due to visiting and detailed examination in different years of numerous Old Rus sites in different lands of Rus-Ukraine the scientist could to conceptualize and formulate a probable typology of Old Rus settlements and fortifications as well as to build a well-founded dating scheme of Old Rus kitchen pottery. The conscious understanding of necessity of the development of source base and research interest required the most comprehensive coverage of the entire scope research object. At least twice M. P. Kuchera set such tasks and successfully fulfilled them: he created a comprehensive, consolidated and complete study of the Old Rus settlements of Ukraine and the Zmievy Walls.
 A brief description of the author’s personal exploration experience within the scope of the student scientific Early Slavic archaeological expedition and as part of the expedition of M. P. Kuchera is presented.
 The combination and understanding of previous experience, strategies and methods allowed the author to synthesize, develop and implement the program of complex multi-year and multi-seasonal archaeological explorations of the historical Ovruch Volost. The concentrated description of the main principles and features of exploration in the Ovruch project, their key methods and results is provided. Multiple trips, observation in dynamics, monitoring of the state of preservation are some of the main components of the field research strategy of the expeditions of the Ovruch project. The main result was a more than tenfold increase in the number of archaeological sites known in this area before the start of work. Such drastic qualitative and qualitative changes prompted the development of a new special scientific and practical field of archaeological knowledge — the study and assessment of the degree of archaeological research (SAD). The methods of SAD ensure the determination of the archaeological potential of the territory, the creation of its detailed regional models, special techniques and methods of studying and assessing the level of accounting and protection of the historical and archaeological heritage objects of the certain region, the identification and assessment of risks and threats to them.
 Finding the critical modern state of study, recording and preservation of domestic archaeological sites makes it obvious the need to develop and implement urgent and large-scale tasks in this field, first of all, to find out at least approximate parameters of the real archaeological potential of the relevant territories of the state. This task requires specially designed, planned and implemented broad and detailed archaeological exploration.
 In the paper the author once again emphasizes the vital need for the development and implementation of the National Program of Archaeological Survey of Ukraine and the corresponding changes in the strategy and tactics of scientific research of the Instituteof Archaeology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

SITES OF HORODYSHCHA ON THE VILSHANKA RIVER (materials for the archaeological map)

The study of archaeological heritage begins with its accounting and description. The genre of archaeological map appeared at the beginning of the development of archeology as a science. Today, the archaeological map is a complex multifunctional information system. Deployment of the «Archaeological Map» on a national scale requires significant organizational and financial resources. Today, one of the effective ways of advancing in this direction is the creation of archaeological maps of individual microregions.
 The town of Horodyshche in the Cherkasy region still does not have a systematic survey of archaeological monuments. Without such a survey, further archaeological research and protection of known objects are impossible. In the spring of 2022, the authors of the article carried out work on the search and analysis of data on archaeological monuments within the administrative boundaries of the city. The result of this work was the most complete descriptions of archaeological sites. The carried out archival and bibliographic research allows planning the next stages of work on the identification, accounting, protection and research of the city’s archaeological heritage.
 The next step should be the deployment of a separate program of archaeological research. A component of such a program should be a program of field research and promotional activities to spread an ecological attitude to archaeological heritage among local citizens. The primary tasks of the archaeological expedition are the re-examination and documentation of archaeological sites that are under state protection. The location of a part of such objects remains unknown, or their boundaries are not defined. An important work is drawing up the archaeological heritage management program. Among the archaeological sites there are objects that can become part of the cultural space of the city.
 This publication is designed to activate the interest in solving the above-mentioned problems of both professionals and city authorities, as well as citizens who are ready to join this important matter during the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

THE ROOSTER IN THE SALTIV CULTURE

ІIn 2016, the Slobozhanska Early Medieval Archaeological Expedition has excavated the complex 16 — a pit-cellar, quite typical for sites of the forest-steppe variant of the Saltiv culture in the Siverskyi Dinets basin. The small material is also quite typical for the Saltiv population. The pottery is represented by two fragments of pithos and a fragment of an amphora handle with a neck. The kitchenware from the assemblage was a hand-made: touched up on a potter’s wheel and shaped by hand. The handle and walls of the jars of good quality were also found.
 The compact find of five bones of roosters tarsometatarsus from the filling of the assemblage attracts attention. This paper attempts to analyze this unique find. The role and significance of the bird in the Saltiv culture is also analyzed.
 The birds were of normal size, the length of the bones differs from the roosters from earlier sites as well as from some modern outbred roosters by less than 1 cm. Signs that they were fighting roosters (as a result of fights, the birds get leg injuries which remain the marks on the bones) are visible. The small number of finds of chickens in general at the sites of the Saltiv culture does not allow us to claim that they were used in the economy.
 Currently, this is only the second find of tarsometatarsi of roosters at the sites of the Saltiv culture (the first one comes from the so-called ritual assemblage from Mayaki). In the scientific literature, accordingly, there have been no attempts to interpret such cases. Taking into account the historiographic review of the problems of interpretation of roosters in general from archaeological sites, we come to the conclusion that the tarsometatarsus of roosters could be a symbol (amulets) of bravery and militancy, respectively, most likely, of warriors. And the act of burying this symbol (amulets) can be an act of taking away the powers of a warrior.

RESEARCH OF OLD RUS SITES NEAR THE VILLAGE OF TSYBLI IN PEREYASLAV REGION (Pages Of The Field Work Of Dr. Oleg Sukhobokov)

The research materials of the Livoberezhno-Dnieprovska Slavic-Rus archaeological expedition of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 1995 in the village of Tsybli in Pereyaslav region headed by Dr. Oleg Sukhobokov are publish in the paper. Research staff of the Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi State Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi Grigory Skovoroda Pedagogical Institute took part in its work. The expedition worked since July 4 to August 8 1995. Dr. Oleh Sukhobokov had long-time scientific ties with the Pereyaslav Reserve, and at the Institute Professor Sukhobokov carried out scientific and pedagogical work, lectured at the Faculty of History, and was a member of the editorial board of the periodical scientific publication.
 The goal of expedition was a comprehensive survey and excavation of multicultural archaeological sites in the vicinity of the settlement. The main focus of its work was the excavation of Old Rus monuments: the hillforts and settlements in the Uzviz 1, Uzviz 2 and Tserkva tracts. According to a number of signs the sites near the village Tsibli form a common complex — a three-parts settlement with a complex structure consisting of a fortified hillfort, an unfortified suburb on the plateau, a «posad» on the slope of the loess terrace — the «pidnizhia». It is also possible that there was a kind of “obolon” located on the lower part of the bank of the former Tsybli River, directly under the hillfort (the cultural layer of the latter was significantly destroyed by economic earthworks). The picture is complemented by the remains of a satellite village in the Tserkva tract located on the high end of the forest terrace, separated from the loess one by a water channel which is a remnant of the former Tsybli riverbed. The most interesting objects of research in 1995 were the remains of earth fortifications of the settlement in Uzviz 1 tract and two underground dwellings in the Uzviz 2 tract. In the Tserkva tract the massive cultural layers related to the functioning of the old village of Tsybli in the 17th—20th centuries and with the Old Rus settlement of the 11th—13th centuries were discovered. In two excavated Old Rus dwellings the remains of adobe household stoves were found, and thanks to the fire the charred remains of wooden structures and interior details of one of the dwellings were survived. The dwellings date from the 12th to the early 13th century. The nature of the charred remains and their considerable number allow us to draw certain conclusions regarding the construction and furnishing of the dwelling. Based on research materials, an attempt was made to graphically reconstruct one of the houses.
 Study of the complex of sites near the Tsybli village in Pereyaslav region in 1995, in which Dr. Oleg Sukhobokov took a direct part, made it possible to clarify the existing theories on the nature and borders of the settlement of this territory in Old Rus Age and to determine the prospects for further research.

Looduslikud pühapaigad kui jutupaigad Rambynase mäe näitel

This article presents different cases of Rambynas Hill in south-western Lithuania. The first one discusses Rambynas Hill as a pagan sacred site. Sporadic mentions in written historical sources do not paint a clear picture of the place and of how it was used in pre-Christian times. Nevertheless, early mentions of Rambynas from as early as the 13th century confirm that the place was indeed significant at the time. No high-profile archaeological excavations ever took place at Rambynas and this limits our understanding of the place in the prehistoric context. Unfortunately, the most important part of the hill collapsed into the Nemunas River in the 19th century, which suggests that any future archaeological expeditions would probably be unavailing. Folklore remains the main source for understanding Rambynas’ importance as a sacred site, while some folktales are presumably of pagan origin. The cult stone on top of Rambynas, last seen in the late 19th century, also suggests that the place was a kind of pagan sacred site. However, its origins could not be verified because the stone was destroyed. It is important to note that despite the lack of additional data in some cases, Rambynas Hill is one of the best-documented and best-known sacred sites in Lithuania. The second case of Rambynas Hill demonstrates how the place regained its fame and importance at the beginning of the 20th century, at the time of creating national identity in Lithuania Minor. Rambynas became the pinnacle of the joint historical narrative between the inhabitants of Lithuania Minor and Lithuania Major in order to further include the former to the newly formed independent country. Rambynas also became the centre of summer solstice celebrations that grew larger with every year during the 1920s and 1930s. For these celebrations a local figure, Martynas Jankus, started The Eternal Book of Rambynas, where people wrote down their experiences of the place. This book represents the third case of Rambynas and is comprised of short writings from different people inspired by their immediate experience. It presents the main topics that were important for people visiting Rambynas Hill and also shows how the place was successfully re-storied in the 20th century and regained its fame as a sacred site of now romanticized pre-Christian religion, despite the fact that it had not been practiced for a few hundred years. The Eternal Book of Rambynas reveals a more personal approach, even though still highly influenced by collective ideas. It does not elaborate on each case of personal experience due to the limited scope of the records. The last case presented in this article discusses Rambynas as part of personal lifeworld, revealed in the memories of a local villager Elena Grigolaitytė. Her experiences are recorded in a short book titled Rojaus Kelias, in which the woman summarizes her life in Bitėnai village close to Rambynas Hill. The case of Elena shows how the same place could be presented in a different light when viewed from a personal perspective of everyday life. All the cases presented in the article serve the purpose of showcasing the possibilities of studying sites as story-places. Research of ancient sacred sites in Lithuania is often limited by historical and ethnological data, and researchers try to include these places in pre-Christian narratives. Due to phenomenological approach, story-places allow to temporarily suspend these values and discuss these places as part of human experience and everyday life. However, the phenomenological approach works best as a part of complex research. Historical facts and written sources about the hill introduce Rambynas as a part of pre-Christian sacred site, probably important during prehistoric times and later in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Investigation carried out by the 19th and early 20th-century press, written memories, historic documents and other data introduce the modern restoration of Rambynas and how the hill functioned as a cultural and even political centre of Lithuania Minor. Lastly, by analysing records in The Eternal Book of Rambynas, folk stories about the place and personal memories, it is possible to understand how people were experiencing the place. This approach paints a complex picture of the place and, most importantly, does not automatically reject modern stories as irrelevant.

Beyond the Fortified Town: Preliminary Insights on Land Use and Occupation Strategies at Banbhore (Sindh, Pakistan)

The site of Banbhore is located in the western delta of the Indus river (Sindh, Pakistan), identified as the harbor town of Daybul mentioned in pre-Islamic and Early Islamic written sources. The archaeological activities conducted here since the beginning of the past century revealed a long and uninterrupted occupation and complex urban planning (1st century BCE-early 13th century CE). A systematic field survey was carried out for the first time around Banbhore within the Italian-Pakistani archaeological expedition. Investigation revealed the presence of a densely settled hinterland, with a clear strategy in land use and occupation. Surface artefacts suggest a very long period of frequentation, from at least the Sasanian period to the Modern era. Results find an interesting comparison with both the information available in written texts and the materials from the excavation of the fortified town.