Gold of the Scythians. The situation around the collection of Scythian gold

The territory of the ancient Scythian civilization covered a large number of kilometers. On this account, there are many material evidence. For example, the gold of the Scythians, their handicraft products are found in various places of their residence, as well as in burial mounds.

History of Scythian civilization

Basically, the views of modern historians about the ancient civilization of the Scythians are derived from written records made by the Greeks - Strabo, Herodotus, Pliny the Elder and others. Information is also provided by items of utensils, military science, art found in excavations, as well as Scythian gold, which is so much talked about right now.

According to historical data, these tribes occupied the territory of Eastern Europe in the 7th-2nd centuries BC. There are two theories of the origin of Scythian civilization. According to one of them, these tribes were formed from the population that used to live in these territories. The second theory belongs to the pen of the historian Herodotus. It consists in the fact that the Scythians came to these steppes from the Asian lands. Their language (according to the few data that were found) belongs to the group of the Iranian Indo-European family.

The early stage of the Scythian civilization was marked by large military campaigns that reached almost to Egypt. It was around the 7th century BC. In the last decades of this century the Scythians have already settled on the Crimean peninsula (this is confirmed by archaeological finds).

Already in the 7th-5th centuries BC there is a characteristic change in the activity of the tribes, namely the transition to nomadic cattle breeding. If we talk about the further residence of the Scythians on the territory of the peninsula, then we can say about several wars that were conducted here. They can be judged from the vast burial places (burial mounds) of the soldiers.

In the IV century BC the Scythians finished their nomadic life and switched to agriculture. This was due to an increase in the population, which contributed little to the large movement.

In the III century BC the Scythians were completely destroyed. Judging by the charred remains, the foreign invasion uttered their settlements to ashes. Only the cities of the Greeks remained, which were protected by solid walls.

However, it can not be said that all of their legacy has sunk into oblivion. The Nart epic is the legacy of the culture of the Scythians. It went to the peoples of the North Caucasus, most of all to the Ossetians.

Crafts Scythian civilization

If we talk about the crafts of the civilization of the Scythians, many people hold the opinion that in the early stages of its development they were at a fairly primitive level, especially in nomadic peoples. Many archaeologists are inclined to believe that most of the products of this time were made to order from Greek masters or simply bought from them.

Only later, when the tribes began to lead a more or less sedentary life, they began to improve their skills, create new ones. Of course, the basis of some products were Greek, but later they had their own style of work.

So what did the ancient Scythians do? According to the excavations found in the workshops (for example, in Kamenskoye fortified settlement), one can judge that they had a well-developed metallurgy, blacksmithing, and also jewelry. These crafts were put on a large production. Unlike them, weaving, pottery and others were developed at the level of domestic production.

If we talk about the jewelry business of the Scythians, it is now believed that in the territory of modern Ukraine, they were the first to extract gold. Obviously, this was in the future greatly influenced by the fact that this metal was very popular and revered in their culture. Masters made various ornaments that were worn on different parts of the body, and also sewn on clothes.

To date, the gold of the Scythians (a photo of some of the artifacts presented below) is a unique archaeological find of this civilization, and the most numerous of their legacy.

Golden artifacts of antiquity. Their meaning

Studying finds related to the ancient Scythians, it can be noted that some gold items were not only a decoration function, but also a ritual value. For the latter, various special golden vessels were used, from ornaments it was tiara, headgear. Also, numerous additional decorations were made to ritual objects (for example, knobs for ritual staffs).

Also the gold of the Scythians was used as an ornament. For example, gold plaques were popular, which were sewn onto clothes for decoration. Also common were for men metal hoops (hryvnia), which were worn around the neck. At the ends they were decorated with animals. Still popular were the pectorals, which were large necklaces that descended on the shoulders and chest.

For women, special headgear was created, which was decorated with plaques and gold plates. Also often there were pendants that were placed on the temples, and a variety of bracelets, rings, earrings, etc.

Golden artifacts that have survived to this day

To date, gold, found by archaeologists in surviving barrows, is in numerous museums. Collections are represented by various finds that truly have no price (both in historical meaning and in monetary terms). Each gold product reflects the lifestyle that was inherent in this ancient civilization.

For example, one of the most famous artifacts found in the barrows of the Scythians is the golden pectoral. This is a royal decoration. It is considered a rather interesting artifact from the "gold of the Scythians" series. The museum in Kiev keeps it. A pectoral was found in the Dnepropetrovsk region, in the burial mound Tolstaya Tomb.

In the Hermitage there is also a well-known figure from the Scythian heritage - a deer figure made of gold. It was found in the Kuban, in one of the mounds.

Symbolism on Scythian gold items

What can be said about the symbols depicted on the products of the ancient Scythians? Very popular was in their culture the so-called animal style. His appearance on their legacy, which is now the gold of the Scythians (photo is presented below), has several versions.

For example, according to one of them, such images showed the structure of the universe and were its symbolic image. True, until the end of this version has not yet been studied.

Also, some researchers are of the opinion that this style appeared as a result of the fact that the Scythians wanted to give the possessor of the product the qualities that were inherent in this or that beast.

But many found signs that these ancient gods of their lands were embodied in the depictions of such animals. Anyway, this style was very popular among Scythians.

Even now, its echoes are preserved in the multitudes of cultures that lived after the Scythian civilization. They can be found in various art works, in decorating clothes (ornaments, embroidery). For example, very often there is an image of a woman with riders on each side. In the culture of the Scythians there is a similar figurine, which was found in the barrow of Karagodeuash. It is a plate on which a female deity is depicted, surrounded by horsemen and standing people.

Territories where traces of Scythian civilization were found

Proceeding from the fact that the Scythians were originally a nomadic people, their traces were found in various territories. For example, in Tyva found the royal mound Arzhan, which refers to this ancient culture. However, the age of this burial is very large, much larger than those found in the Black Sea and the Dnieper. After a while, the second burial was immediately discovered - Arzhan-2. It is in it that the gold of the Scythians was found by archaeologists. Since the burial was excavated, the accompanying items were found, which were put into the grave by the deceased (rich clothing, utensils, weapons).

Also traces of this civilization were discovered in East Kazakhstan, in the Altai, near the Yenisei. All this shows that it was originally more extensive than thought about earlier. By the way, it remains to be seen where archaeological finds will be found in the future.

To date, the gold of the Scythians, whose collection is numerous, is found in many museums of different countries.

Legends of Scythian Gold

This legacy of ancient civilization, like any archaeological value, has its own legends. The Scythians generally felt trembling about this metal. He was the personification of the solar deity, and also a symbol of royal power. It is noteworthy that other metals were used in their civilization much less often.

Also, the Scythians believed that gold possesses magical properties. Some researchers of our time find them in especially significant ornaments worn by kings of those times. This is how the object was made, for which it was applied, what was depicted on it.

There is also a legend about the origin of this people, and already there is mentioned the gold of the Scythians. It talks about a man named Targitai, who had three sons. Somehow they witnessed a miracle - four golden objects fell from the sky in front of them. It was a bowl, ax, plow and yoke. Each of the brothers tried to approach gold products, but each time the gold ignited and did not start. Only a third managed to do it. Then the two older brothers took this sign, and the youngest got the whole kingdom.

Thus, he subsequently became the ancestor of the Scythian people, who were called paralatists. The elder brother is the ancestor of the Avhats, and the middle brother is the kathyars and traps. The common name of their kind is scraps. Scythians called them Hellenes.

This legend was written down by the Greek scholar Herodotus. He, by the way, at that time recorded numerous historical events. A lot of information our contemporaries learned from his records.

Also wrapped in mystery and mounds of the Scythians. Many archeologists believe that those people who are lucky to find something worthwhile are doomed. So, for example, Vasily Bidzila, a scientist who had found the grave in the burial mound of Gaimanov, died. Boris Mozolevsky also died. He was lucky enough to find a golden pectoral. Of course, not all this is associated with the finds, but many adhere to this version. There is an opinion that the Scythian burial mounds in this are similar to the Egyptian pyramids.

Of course, many are attracted not so much by the interest of the scientist, but also simply by an elementary way of enrichment. There are numerous legends about this golden people, about their untold treasures. In Ukraine, almost every district has its own legends. For example, in the Zaporozhye region there is an opinion that in some of the Scythian mounds a golden boat was hidden, In the Poltava region it is said about the whole horse from this metal. If you listen to legends in other places, then you can find products from gold from the diadem to whole carriages.

Obviously, this is not accidental, after all, again, according to legend, the Scythian people were the most golden in these territories.

Crimean gold of the Scythians, as well as other items of their heritage

In many museums scattered gold of the Scythians. Crimea, as one of the main places of life of this people, also did not stand aside. In the museums of this peninsula is a rich collection of this ancient civilization (and not only gold products). Here you can find gold jewelry, numerous ornaments that were worn by both the royal family and ordinary people (earrings, bracelets, breastplates, necklaces, rings, etc.).

In addition, there are numerous items that were used in everyday life, in wars (weapons, vessels, vases, objects of worship, etc.). Such a large number of artifacts of this culture, located on the peninsula, due to the fact that it was there for a long time these peoples lived.

The Scythian gold is very important for the peninsula. The Crimea is like a continuation of that nationality that once lived here. One of the major discoveries was the Kul-Oba mound, which is near Kerch. In September 1830, a burial was found there, which was the first vivid example of how the ancient Scythians looked, their decorations and scenes of life.

In the barrow was found the burial of the queen and noble warrior. The dead were fully clothed, and also decorated with various jewels (diadem, bracelets, etc.). The burial was still not looted, so it made a great impression with its wealth.

Gold of the Scythians, which is stored in Kiev

The Museum of Historical Treasures, which is located in the city of Kiev, has a truly unique collection. This includes the ancient gold of the Scythians. Ukraine can really be proud of this collection. Here are collected unique ornaments, worn in ancient times by the royal people.

One of the most famous exhibits (as it was already written above) is a pectoral belonging to the royal dynasty. This unique treasure was found in the burial mound Fat grave.

Even in the museum you can find another noble decoration - the hryvnia. It was worn by men who deserved it with their deeds or origin.

Also in the museum is stored the gaimanova cup, which was found in the burial mound Gaimanova. It is noteworthy that the author very carefully transferred the faces and facial expressions of the soldiers depicted on it. Also very clearly visible and decoration, as well as ornament on clothes.

The last exhibition of the collection

The last exhibition was presented in Amsterdam in February 2014. Gold of the Scythians was taken from five museums: one from Kiev, and four that are located on the territory of the Crimean peninsula.

The exhibition was called "Crimea: Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea". It was held in the city of Amsterdam, in the museum. Allard Pierson. At the exhibition were presented unique items: a pectoral from the Kiev museum, lacquer Chinese boxes from the Bakhchsarai reserve, and others.

If you ask yourself where the gold of the Scythians is now, you can say that he was returned to his homeland, but because of the difficult political situation, this did not happen completely.

Today's situation around the ancient artifacts of the Scythians

To date, the situation that affects the Crimean gold of the Scythians is very complex, perhaps even dead-end. That part of the collection, which after the exhibition was due to return to the peninsula in museums, simply was not given away. That gold of the Scythians, which was taken out before the detachment of the Crimea from Ukraine, simply do not know where to return, as both sides claim to it.

At the moment there is a court that decides where to return the exhibits. By the way, many of them are the property of the peninsula, as they were found on its territory. Also in favor of returning it to the Crimea says that it is museums that are curators of rarities, and not the state itself.

If we talk about the gold of the Scythians, which was returned after the exhibition, it is only nineteen subjects. They were taken from the Kiev Museum, where they were kept. The remaining 565 exhibits, which belong to the Crimean museums, have never been returned.