Zhytomyr citizens are traveling around Ukraine often envy cities that have a rich history. But every year archaeologists and historians prove that Zhytomyr does not fall behind. This is evidenced by archival documents, and the results of excavations – found artifacts. We decided to tell about the top 5 incredible items that were found in Zhytomyr region
The artifacts we talk about are in private collections or in the Zhytomyr Museum of Local Lore. Zhytomyr historian Victor Potapenko told us about their historical value.

1. Prisuice
At first glance it may seem that this artefact is habitual for our region and Ukraine as a whole, because in the territory of Kievan Rus, weaving has been rapidly developing. In Ovruch there was even the production of spice production. Then the products were distributed to all regions. But the highlight of this discovery is that it is much older – refers to the early Bronze Age. The spinel found is made of clay, and not of stone, as it was later.
“The find came to us from the IV-III century. until e. Of course, this indicates that during the bronze period in Zhytomyr, weaving was widespread. He used it as a heavy duty spindle, which gave a rotation of uniformity “, – said Mr. Victor.
2. Scythian hurricane griffon plaque
“Find can be safely attributed to the X century. until e., when the Scythian animal style had a pronounced character. This plaque was found near Zhytomyr, in the village of Buymyr “, – told the historian.
The image of such a griffin bird was quite common in various products that served as an ornament on clothing or armor. Of course, depicted and other beasts. According to the scholars, this testifies to the desire of the Scythians to master the animal qualities, which was an inalienable part of the magical ideas of the ancient Scythians.
3. The bronze period
The foundry is a vivid testimony to the period of the blossoming of metalworking, which fell on the XII century. until e. Teslo looks like a modern ax. Over time, it has improved and now has a form suitable for work.
“This is the same butter, and later it was an ax when it came up with a hole for a staple. Before that, it was simply tied up to the poles, “says the scientist.
4. Enkolpion
This name has a complex cross, dating back to the Xth century. The Uncolipion is an unconditional testimony to the fact that Christianity has been rapidly spreading in Zhytomyr Region, as well as in other territories. It was precisely in the period of the birth of Christianity that the encolpius gained popularity, and in Kievan Rus actively engaged in their production. On the cross on the one hand depicts the Virgin, and on the other hand – a crucifix.
“The satin cross-fold of Kievan Rus has two parts, inside it – holy relics. He was a shield, including a distant road or a battle. It is made of bronze, “commented our interlocutor.
5. Depecher of Kyiv Rus
From the title you can understand that the subject was written or applied drawings. Dated from the XI-XV centuries, it was still an absolutely ordinary subject, with which you could scratch a certain message on the bark. Such a “leaflet” was available to almost everyone. This was facilitated by its cheapness, so the writing on birch was told about everyday affairs and life stories.
“Finding in Zhytomyr wrote testifies to the written language of people of that time. Actually, such a rod was made either of bone or metal. They were comfortable enough to use. In this case, we have metal writing, which has reached our time in quite good condition “, – told Zhytomyr expert of history.
Love your native! Be proud of Zhytomyr, because it is really worth it!
Translated by Aliona Matushevich