territory of the ancient Scythian civilization covered a large number of kilometers.On this score there are plenty of physical evidence.For example, the gold of the Scythians, their crafts are found in various places of residence, as well as burial mounds.
history of the Scythian civilization
mainly representations of modern historians of the ancient civilization of the Scythians drawn from written records made by the Greeks - Strabo, Herodotus, Pliny the Elder and others.Also provide information found in the excavation utensils, military affairs, the arts, as well as Scythian gold, which is so much talk today.
According to historical records, these tribes in the VII-II centuries BC occupied the territory of Eastern Europe.There are two theories of Scythian civilization.On one of them, these tribes formed from the population that previously lived in these areas.The second theory was written by the historian Herodotus.It consists in the fact that the Scythians came to the steppes of the Asian land.Their language (for the few data that were found) belongs to the Indo-Iranian family.
early stage of Scythian civilization marked large military campaigns that reach almost to Egypt.It was around the VII century BC.In the last decades of this century, the Scythians had settled on the Crimean peninsula (this is confirmed by archeological findings).
Already in VII-V century BC here characteristic change of activity of tribes, namely the transition to nomadic pastoralism.If we talk about the future of the Scythians living on the peninsula, one can say about the several wars that took place here.They can be judged by the extensive burial grounds (burial mounds) soldiers.
In the IV century BC Scythians ended their nomadic life and moved to agriculture.This happened due to the increase in population, there is little to foster greater mobility.
In the III century BC, the Scythians were completely destroyed.Judging by the charred remains, alien invasion ashes burned out of their villages.Only the city of the Greeks, who were protected by sturdy walls.
But we can not say that all of their legacy has sunk into oblivion.Nart epic - a cultural heritage of the Scythians.It got to the peoples of the North Caucasus, most Ossetians.
crafts Scythian civilization
Speaking of crafts Scythian civilization, many are of the opinion that in the early stages of development, they were quite primitive level, especially among the nomadic peoples.Many archaeologists are inclined to believe that most of the products of this time was made to order from the Greek masters, or just bought them.
Only later, when the tribes began to lead a more or less settled life, they began to improve their skills, create new.Of course, some products have become the basis for the Greek, but later they had a style of his work.
So what do the ancient Scythians?According to the excavations found the workshops (for example, Kamensky mound) may be judged that they had a well-developed metallurgy, blacksmith and jewelry making.These craft were put on a big production.In contrast, weaving, pottery and others were developed at the level of domestic production.
If we talk about the jewelry of the Scythians, it is now believed that the territory of modern Ukraine they became the first gold mine.Obviously, it is this later had a great influence on the fact that this metal was very popular and respected in their culture.Masters made a variety of jewelry that is worn on different body parts, as well as sewn on clothes.
Today Scythian gold (photos of some artifacts are shown below) is a unique archaeological find of this civilization, the most numerous of their heritage.
Golden ancient artifacts.Their importance
studying the finds from the ancient Scythians, it may be noted that some of the gold products were not only the function of decoration, but also a ritual significance.For the latter used a variety of special gold and silver vessels of the ornaments they were tiaras, hats.Also produces numerous additional decorations to the ritual objects (such as knobs to the ritual Staff).
Scythian gold is also used as decoration.For example, popular were gold plaques that were sewn on clothes for her jewelry.Also common were men metal hoops (hryvnia), which were worn around the neck.At the ends of them were decorated with animals.More popular were the pectoral, which is a great necklace that descended on the shoulders and chest.
Women created special headgear, which were decorated with plaques and golden plates.Also frequent suspension, are placed on the temples, and a variety of bracelets, rings, earrings and so on. D.
gold artifacts that survived to this day
To date, gold, found by archaeologists in the surviving mounds, located in numerous museums.The collection features a variety of findings that really have no value (as in the historical sense, and money).Each product displays the golden style of life that was characteristic of this ancient civilization.
For example, one of the most famous artifacts found in Scythian burial mounds, a gold pectoral.It is a royal decoration.It is considered an interesting artifact of the series "Scythian gold".The museum in Kiev stores it.Pectoral was found in the Dnipropetrovsk region in the mound Tolstaya Mogila.
The Hermitage is also kept fairly well-known figure from the legacy of the Scythians - the figure of a deer made of gold.She was found in the Kuban region, in one of the mounds.
Symbolism on gold products Scythians
What can be said about the characters depicted on the products of the ancient Scythians?Very popular in their culture has been the so-called animal style.His appearance on their heritage, which is now the Scythian gold (picture shown below), has several versions.
For example, one of them, such image shows the structure of the universe and it was a symbolic image.However, before the end of this version has not been studied.
Also, some researchers are of the opinion that this style was the result of the fact that the Scythians would give the owner of the product qualities that were inherent in a particular animal.
But many have found indications that it is of the gods of the ancient inhabitants of the land embodied in images of animals.Anyway, this style was very popular among the Scythians.
Even now its echoes have been preserved in many cultures who have lived after the Scythian civilization.They can be found in a variety of artistic artefacts in the garment decoration (ornaments, embroidery).For example, a very common image of a woman on the sides of which there are riders.In the culture of the Scythians has a similar statue, which was found in a burial mound Karagodeuashkh.This plate, which depicts a female deity, surrounded by athletes and people standing.
Territory, where they found traces of Scythian civilization
Based on the fact that the Scythians were originally a nomadic people, they should be found in different areas.For example, in Tuva found royal Arzhan, which refers to the ancient culture.However, the age of the burial is very large, much larger than those that have been found in the Black Sea and the Dnieper.After some time there and then found the second grave - Argens-2.This is where archaeologists found the Scythian gold.Since it was excavated burial, they were found accompanying the objects placed in the grave of the deceased (rich clothes, utensils, weapons).
also traces of this civilization have been found in East Kazakhstan, Altai, near the Yenisei.All this testifies to the fact that it was originally more extensive than previously thought about it.By the way, it is not clear where the archaeological finds are found in the future.
Today Scythian gold, the collection of which is numerous, is in many museums around the world.
Legends of Scythian gold
This is the legacy of an ancient civilization, as well as any archaeological value, has its legend.Scythians generally regarded with awe by this metal.He was the personification of the sun god, as well as a symbol of royal power.It is noteworthy that other metals used in their civilization, much less.
also Scythians believed that this gold has magical properties.Some scholars of our time finding them in a particularly meaningful ornaments worn by the kings of those times.This is how the object was made, which was used, that it has been shown.
There is also a legend about the origin of this people, and there have already mentioned Scythian gold.It tells of a man named Targitai, who had three sons.Somehow they had witnessed a miracle - in front of them fell from the sky four gold objects.It was a cup, the ax, the plow and the yoke.Each of the brothers tried to get closer to gold products, but every time gold flammable and are not allowed.Only a third managed to do it.Then the two older brothers took the sign, and the youngest got the whole kingdom.
Thus, he later became the founder of the Scythian people, which was named paralatami.Elder brother - is the founder of avhatov and medium - katiarov and bridges.The general name of their kind - it is chipped.Scythians, they were called Hellenes.
This legend was recorded by the Greek scholar Herodotus.He, by the way, at the time wrote numerous historical events.A lot of information of our contemporaries have learned it from his records.
also shrouded in mystery and Scythian burial mounds.Many archaeologists believe that doomed the people who were lucky something worthwhile to find.So, for example, died Vasily Bidzilya, a scientist who found the cup in Kurgan Gaymanova grave.Also died and Boris Mozolevski.He was lucky to find a gold pectoral.Of course, not all of it associated with the findings, but many adhere precisely this version.Argued that the Scythian burial mounds in this similar to the Egyptian pyramids.
Of course, many people are attracted not only the interest of the scientist, but also a simple way of dressing.There are many legends about this golden people, their countless treasures.In Ukraine, almost every area has its own legend.For example, in the Zaporozhye region there is a perception that some of the Scythian burial mounds were hidden golden boat, in the Poltava region generally refers to a horse of this metal.If you listen to the legends in other areas, there can be found made of gold from crowns to as much as coaches.
Obviously, this is not accidental, since, again according to legend, the people of the Scythians was the gold in these areas.
Crimean Scythian gold, as well as other subjects of their heritage
On many museums scattered Scythian gold.Crimea, as one of the main places of life of the people, not stand aside.The museums of the peninsula is a rich collection of ancient civilization (and not only of gold jewelry).Here you can discover and gold articles, and numerous ornaments worn as a special royal family and ordinary people (earrings, bracelets, breast products, necklaces, rings, etc.).
In addition, there are numerous items that were used in everyday life, in war (weapons, vessels, vases, objects of worship, and others.).Such a large number of artifacts of this culture that are on the peninsula due to the fact that it is here for a long time lived these peoples.
is very important for the peninsula Scythian gold.Crimea - it is like a continuation of the peoples who lived here once.One of the major discoveries was the Kul-Oba mound, which is near Kerch.In September 1830 it was found the burial, which was the first clear example of how the look of the ancient Scythians, their decoration and stage of life.
The burial mound was found the queen and noble warrior.Deaths were fully dressed and decorated with various jewels (tiara, bracelets and others.).Burial has not been looted, so impressed by their wealth.
Scythian Gold, which is stored in Kiev
The Museum of Historical Treasures, which is located in the city of Kiev is truly unique collection.This includes the ancient Scythian gold.Ukraine can really be proud of this collection.Here are collected unique jewelry worn in ancient times, the royal personages.
One of the most famous exhibits (as already described above) is a pectoral belonging to the royal dynasty.This unique treasure was found in the thick mound tomb.
more can be found in the museum and other precious jewelry - the hryvnia.It was worn by men who deserve it by their actions or origin.
The museum kept Gaymanova bowl, which was found in the tomb mound Gaymanova.Noteworthy is it that the author very carefully handed faces and facial expressions depicted in her warriors.It is also very well seen and decorations as well as decoration on clothing.
latest exhibition collection
was presented in Amsterdam in February 2014 the last exhibition.Scythian gold was taken from the five museums: one of Kiev, and four who are in the territory of the Crimean peninsula.
the exhibition called "Crimea: gold and secrets of the Black Sea."It held in the city of Amsterdam, in the Museum of.Allard Pierson.The exhibition showcased the unique things: Pectoral from Kiev museum lacquered Chinese boxes of Bakhchsarai Reserve and others.
If you wonder about where Scythian gold is now, we can say that he was returned to his homeland, but because of the complexpolitical situation, it was not full.
current situation around the ancient Scythian artifacts
Today the situation that affects the Crimean Scythian gold, it is very difficult, perhaps even dead end.That part of the collection, which after the end of the exhibition was to return to the peninsula in a museum just was not given.That Scythian gold, which were taken before disconnecting the Crimea from Ukraine, just do not know where to return, as it lay claim to both sides.
At the moment, there is a court that decides where to have to return exhibits.By the way, many of them are property of the peninsula it is because they have been found on its territory.Also in favor of the return of the Crimea it says that it is a museum of curiosities are the guardians, not the state itself.
If we talk about the Scythian gold, which returned after the show, it is only nineteen subjects.They were taken from the Museum of Kiev, where they were stored.The remaining 565 items that belong to the Crimean museums, and have not been returned.
