Archeologists continue to play a pivotal role in uncovering Ukraine's rich history, as evidenced by the recent discovery of a VI-V centuries BC burial ground in the Mykolaiv region during fortification construction. Meanwhile, there are ongoing disputes over 110,000 archeological finds held in Russian museums, with a significant portion being gold items. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has protested illegal excavations in Crimea, while pressing international courts in cases like the Scythian gold. Despite political tensions, the preservation of Ukraine's archeological heritage remains a priority, as highlighted by fires at sites like Mavrynskyi Maidan.
What significant archeological discovery was made in the Mykolaiv region?
The recent archeological discovery in the Mykolaiv region involves a VI-V centuries BC burial ground. This find was made unexpectedly by soldiers of the 123rd Brigade of the TRO during construction works aimed at establishing fortifications in the area. The discovery adds to the rich tapestry of Ukraine's ancient history.
How many Ukrainian archeological artifacts are in Russian museums?
Russian museums hold an estimated 110,000 archeological artifacts originating from Ukraine. These are distributed between the Hermitage and the State Historical Museum of Russia. Among these artifacts, approximately 5% are valuable gold items, totaling more than 5,000 individual pieces that historically belong to Ukrainian heritage.
What is the current status of the Scythian gold case?
The Scythian gold case is a legal dispute concerning the ownership of valuable artifacts. Recently, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal has appointed a new judge to oversee the proceedings, as Ukraine continues to assert its claim to these culturally significant treasures that have been at the center of international legal discussions.
What has Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said about archeological excavations in Crimea?
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has strongly urged Russia to halt illegal archeological excavations in occupied Crimea. These activities, particularly related to the "Crimean War" project in the Alma Valley and Sevastopol, violate international law and Ukrainian legislation, leading to diplomatic protests from Ukraine.
How many artifacts have been smuggled from Crimea since 2014?
Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, reports indicate that Russia has smuggled at least 1 million archeological artifacts from the region. This illicit transfer involves significant cultural heritage items that are crucial to understanding Crimea's historical and archeological significance.
