sources, which can be judged on how it is carried out the pagan religious practices on the territory of Russia prior to the adoption of Christianity, remained not so much.In particular, scientists know little about the settling of ancient pagan places of worship.Heterogeneity of the Ancient beliefs, mixing elements of the culture of different tribes that existed on a territory at different times, make it very difficult study.Recently, however, due to the growing interest in the pre-Christian history of our country, scientists were able to get quite a lot of new information on the subject.
temple of outdoor
To begin with let's deal with the fact that as a pagan temple?This is one of the varieties of pre-Christian place of worship, the main purpose of which was direct communication with the man supreme gods.Actually, the construction of the temple is difficult to call, because it represented an oval or circular area outdoors, often demarcated by a moat.In the center has an idol of the deity in whose honor it was to settle.
Very often this type of a pagan temple was situated away from the settlements and villages.Researchers often find these iconic sites on the tops of the mountains, in the middle of forests, wetlands, and so on. D. The diameter of the circle may be several tens of meters.In the pits burned sacrificial fires, and their edges were placed on all sorts of sacred objects (rocks, poles).When the temple was dedicated to several gods, could be placed around the circumference of their idols.Some objects of this kind are called by scientists in small mounds, as surrounded by low mounds.
temple of the temple rituals
Slavs were and are the temples (the word "mansions").In each such building a temple there.It bore the name of the temple, located behind the altar.It is usually installed idols.In some cases, it called the heathen temple and the temple itself.Most often, these buildings have a circular shape.However, archaeologists have also found a square structure.
Archeological finds on the territory of ancient Russia
As mentioned, physical evidence and written sources, allowing to judge how it looked Slavic places of worship dedicated to whatever gods remained very small.The most famous historical monuments are Kiev and Perynskoe Slavic temples.The latter was devoted to the Slavic god of war Perun.Create it on the orders of Prince Vladimir in the pagan reforms in 980 Archaeologists managed to partially restore its original appearance.The object was an almost perfectly circular area with a diameter of 21 meters.Surrounded by a moat, it was a meter deep.
With respect to such structures as the ancient temple in Kiev, there is virtually no archaeological finds were made.This is not surprising.After all, the territory in which it is located, for centuries actively used.And it is unlikely in the capital of the Christian states remained too many objects related to the cult of old.
Slavic gods
So, we found out that the temple - it is, in fact, the pagan temple, located outdoors or representing religious buildings.As for the object of worship of those who attended these sacred places in ancient times - the Slavic gods, you know about them a little more.The reform undertaken by Prince Vladimir in the pantheon of major deities were included Dazhdbog, Horse, Stribog, and Makosh Semargl headed by Perun.Their idols were standing next to the princely mansions of Kiev on the mountain.Eastern Slavs especially revered, and another god - Veles.In the "Tale of Bygone Years" in addition to these and other deities mentioned - Lada, swim, Kolyada, Pozvizd.
Slavic idols
Slavic idols were the anthropomorphic (human-like) tall wooden figures of the order of 2-2.5 m. The basis of such a post could be either round or quadrangular.In his right hand God could hold a sword, a ring or a horn.Sometimes his hands crossed on his chest deity.This right is usually located above the left.Some chronicles mention the existence of idols made of other materials - copper, marble, gold or silver.They were found by archaeologists and religious stone sculptures.
natural sanctuary
system pagan rituals is based primarily on the selection of effective language for communication with the forces of nature.In any phenomenon occurs in a particular time of the year, the pagans saw sacred will of a higher power.Therefore, the Slavs was very well developed system of worship of all sorts of sacred places - groves, hotel trees, rocks, springs, lakes, wetlands, and so on. D.
Thus, the temple - a place in which the practiced rituals dedicated to pagan gods.These ancient structures, hardly have survived, became the prototype of modern churches.In particular, some researchers speculated that the many-domed Orthodox churches, as well as an architectural element such as an octagon, have ancient pagan roots.
