Chernyakhovskaya culture is one of the largest archaeological periods in the early history of the Slavs. It occupied a fairly large space in the territories of modern Ukraine, Romania, Moldova and Russia. Geographically located mainly in the forest-steppe, forest, less often - in the steppe zones.
general characteristics
The study of this culture is of great importance for understanding the history and ethnogenesis of the Slavs. Active migration processes took place during the period under review, peoples mixed with each other, which sometimes makes it very difficult to identify certain ethnic components in the composition of cultures. Nevertheless, most experts agree that the formation of the ancient Slavs occurred in close contact with the resettlement of other tribes, especially the Goths. In science, the prevailing point of view is that it is the movement of the latter, which in the 1-3 centuries BC. e. moved to the regions of the Roman provinces, the Northern Black Sea region, played a special role. By this time, some Slavic type cultures were forming, such as, for example, Przeworsk, Kiev and others. Many scholars believe that the Slavs stood out among the Antian tribe, as there are reports in ancient sources. It is in this context that the Chernyakhov period in the history of Slavic settlement should be considered.
The study
This culture got its name from the village Chernyakhov (Kiev region), which was studied at the beginning of the 20th century by the scientist Korotinsky. Most experts are inclined to believe that it was multinational in its ethnic composition. It is also believed that the Zarubinets and Chernyakhov cultures are closely related, since the latter replaced the former, which is considered Slavic (although in foreign historiography there is a point of view that it was German in its national composition). The culture that changed it was studied by such prominent scientists as Rybakov and Sedov.
Origin
Chernyakhovskaya culture arose as a result of migration processes that took place on the territory of Eastern European countries. Many historians attribute its origin to the resettlement of the Goths, who, having occupied Ukrainian territory, mixed with the local population. At this time, the Oyum state arose here. Its borders coincide with this political entity. Due to the complex migration flows, the Chernyakhov culture was multi-ethnic, it included Slavic Ants, Germans, Scythians, Sarmatians. The historian Rybakov believed that it was Old Slavic, but this opinion is disputed in science.
Household
Chernyakhovskaya culture covers the period from II to IV century. n e. She was quite developed in her economic level. The basis of the economy was arable farming. Archaeologists have found the remains of plows, iron tips, hoes, which were used in agriculture. Cattle breeding prevailed, although the inhabitants raised pigs and horses. For storage, pits were used that were found in a number of settlements. Chernyakhov culture is characterized by a high level of craft development. The population skillfully process metal, bones, wood. Non-ferrous metal jewelry and the remains of tools made from animal bones have survived.
At some sites, metallurgical horns were discovered. Residents, apparently, were familiar with various methods of iron processing (hardening) and steel production. However, much preserved bronze items. There is a point of view that some processing techniques were borrowed from the Roman provinces, as well as from the Central European region.
Dwellings
Chernyakhovskaya culture spread mainly in forest zones, so its dwellings were large in size and, as a rule, rectangular in shape. There are few fortified settlements, but nevertheless, some of them have been preserved in the southern area (Gorodok, Aleksandrovka). Their walls reach twelve meters in height, there are earthen ramparts and fortifications. They were located on the hills, while ordinary houses - along the tributaries of small rivers.
Dwellings were divided into two parts: residential and household. In the center was a hearth. In some houses, the walls were "dry", that is, without a special binder solution. These structures, as a rule, are pillar, their frame was made of wattle and coated with clay. Dwellings were located "nests" along the floodplains of the rivers. Inside, they had one or two cameras.
Monuments
Chernyakhov archaeological culture has preserved a number of interesting monuments. First of all, we are talking about the famous Zmiev (Troyanov) ramparts, which are located south of Kiev along the banks of the Dnieper. This colossal structure was defensive in its purpose. It is a chain of land embankments and ditches stretching over a long distance (individual structures ranged from one to one hundred and fifty kilometers in length).
Of particular interest are the memorials of the Chernyakhov culture of the Vinnitsa region. A unique cave painting was discovered here, over the value of which scientists are still arguing. It depicts a leafless tree, on one of the branches of which a rooster sits, and in front of it is a man behind whom a deer is located. In addition, the composition has a frame in the space between the horns. Another monument in the same area is the Ilyinetsky quarry for the extraction of volcanic tuff for the manufacture of millstones. This indicates a high level of metallurgy in the region.
Burial places
The clothing complex of Chernyakhov culture can be traced not only by dwellings, but also by burial places. However, as a rule, there are few of them in burials, but nevertheless, some artifacts allow you to recreate the appearance of this period. In the funeral pits sometimes dig out household items and household items. Sometimes there are vessels and parts for homework, such as a spindle. Find and jewelry. Among them, for example, is a brooch.
Chernyakhovskaya culture is characterized by two methods of burial: cadaverization and cadaverization. In the first case, ordinary rectangular pits were used, in the second, the remains were placed in vessels: jugs, pots and even bowls. In the graves there are also the remains of weapons: for example, arrowheads, spears, swords bent for ritual purposes. There are both single and binary burials.
Houseware
The settlement of Chernyakhov culture, as a rule, was economic in its purpose and functions. Therefore, very often products found here are needed for agriculture and metallurgy. Residents knew the potter's wheel, they made dishes of the most diverse shapes. Weaving was also highly developed, archaeologists periodically find traces of various fabrics on household items.
Tableware
Separately, it should be said about clay vessels, since it is precisely for this garment complex that archaeologists most often distinguish cultures. The population of the period under consideration manufactured a wide variety of household items, but finds of vessels decorated with either horizontal lines or additional sleeves and grooves are especially known. Among the findings, Black Sea amphorae, as well as red clay and red varnish dishes created and brought from workshops of the Roman provinces, are noteworthy. Coarse clay products are found, as a rule, in farm buildings.
Other artifacts
The metal of the Chernyakhov culture is predominantly iron. The population skillfully processed the ore, obviously, not without the influence of Roman technology. Nevertheless, there are not so many finds of weapons: these are mainly arrowheads, spears, parts of swords.
Separately, it should be said about treasures. Coins of Roman minting are found in large numbers on the cultural territory: to the west of the Dniester - bronze, to the east - silver. Moreover, the latter were found quite a lot in treasures, however, experts express the opinion that this money was used for international trade, while in-kind exchange was used for local needs. Less common are coins of the Bosporus coinage.
Clothing complex
Among the artifacts there are a large number of jewelry: for example, brooches, beads, buckles, combs are found in large numbers. Of household items there are knives, axes, spurs. Sometimes they find military items, but not many. Of particular interest are swords, daggers, spears. Separately, it should be said about the original find - the image of the calendar on the vessel. It has a round shape, and under each month there is a corresponding figure.
Vessels
Thus, the Chernyakhov culture, the photo of the monuments of which is presented in this article, was distinguished by a rather high level of development in the economic and economic spheres. Separately, it should be said about ritual vessels: on some of them, images of calendars are found. In addition, there are finds of glassware. The technique of its manufacture was mastered by the Romans at the beginning of our era and passed to the population of the culture in question. The most commonly found vessels are egg-shaped yellowish or greenish in color.
Ethnography
Chernyakhovskaya culture, as mentioned above, was multinational in its ethnic composition. This is due to migration flows that occurred on the European continent at the time in question. In this regard, historians distinguish several ethnographic components in its composition: Germanic, Sarmatian-Scythian, Slavic. The first is represented by binary burials, large houses and buildings, as well as special Velbar type ceramics. These signs are characteristic of almost the entire area of distribution of this culture.
The second ethnographic type is represented by large stone buildings, multi-chamber houses, a special funeral ritual, when meat was put into the grave with a knife stuck in it, pieces of chalk or paint. Basically, burials were carried out in the bottom holes or catacombs. Also, this area is characterized by a special form of dishes - pots with a neck expanding upward. This group of finds is mainly concentrated in the Northern Black Sea region, where these peoples lived.
Finally, the Slavic group of artifacts is represented by small square semi-dugouts with a large number of utility pits. This territory is characterized by the absence of large burial grounds, as well as the presence of mainly stucco pots. The main place of distribution is Transnistria, where other Slavic cultures also developed: Kiev, Przeworsk. Separate Penkovsky as well as Slavic culture was singled out by O. M. Prikhodnyuk. Chernyakhov’s culture closely adjoined them, although the scientist claimed that he had no decisive influence on the development of Slavic elements, since it was too multi-ethnic.
Chronology Issues
In connection with the above feature in science, there are problems of dating and chronology of this culture. This is due to the fact that the findings do not always allow us to reliably attribute its artifacts to a particular century. In addition, many imported articles are found in this area, primarily of Roman origin, under the influence of which it developed. Therefore, the method of dating by burial is considered the most acceptable.
Characteristics
So, this culture is characterized by a variety of finds, which say that several different elements took part in its formation. Of particular importance is the fact that she was in the zone of Roman influence. Its provincialism undoubtedly contributed to a high level of cultural development and, in turn, stimulated the emergence of more advanced production technologies in the region. Some experts also note the Dacian influence in this territory.
Relation to other cultures
The Chernyakhov period was an important stage in the development of the ancient Slavs. However, at that time they were in very close contact with other ethnic groups, therefore this culture allows only partially reconstructing Slavic antiquities. But it was under the influence and, in turn, it itself had an impact on other cultures in which the Slavic element was more pronounced: Przeworsk, Kolochin, Kiev.
Completion
The decline of culture occurred due to another migration wave that shook the European continent. This time there was a relocation of the warlike nomadic Hun tribe. This led to the outflow of a significant part of the population to the west, of which there are written sources. At the same time, in the forest-steppe and steppe zones, some groups of the population remained that were subordinate to the Huns. But to the northeast, in the period preceding the Chernyakhov culture, and then coinciding with it in time, another Slavic culture continued to exist - Kiev. Her tracks are well preserved. Archaeologists find burial grounds, homes, household items and even treasures.
Value
The Chernyakhov period of development is important in that it is one of the first stages in the history of the early Slavs. It covers a fairly large territorial space, including a number of regions of our country: Belgorod and Kursk. At the same time, it has an outlet on the history of other peoples of the considered time: Germans, Scythian Celts and others. In addition, this period bears obvious signs of late Roman, Black Sea influences, which allows us to study the late stages of development of these regions. Therefore, the culture described in the article was actively studied before the revolution, in Soviet times, its analysis continues in our days. Chernyakhovsky House of Culture, for example, periodically holds events to preserve traditional folk cultural traditions, which should maintain interest in antiquity.