SETTLEMENTS OF THE TRYPILLIAN CULTURE

IN UKRAINE
Dr. Mykhailo Videiko

A SHORT GUIDE

There are known more than 1200 Trypillian culture settlements in Ukraine. All
they are dated from 5400 – 2750 B.C. More than two hundreds of them were
explored by archaeologists in XIX – XX centuries. We describe only 95 the most
interesting sites and places from the West to the East – from Prut and Dniestr to
Dnipro rivers.

PRUT
1. Shipintsi
Kicman distict Chernivtsi region.
This Trypillian culture settlement is situated to the north of the village, on the left
bank of Prut river. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C. Excavated by
J.Shombathy, R.Kindle, F.Volkov, O.Kandyba and T.Passek in XIX – XX c. they
discovered ruins of houses and earthenware – houses, traces of ceramics. In
1938 O.Kandyba published collection of beautiful painted pottery.
Collections from Shipintsi are kept in museums of Chernivtsi and Vienna.

DNIESTR
1. Bilche Zolote, settlements and Verteba cave
Borchshiv distict Khmelnitski reg.
There are known four Trypillian sites here. Two-level settlement of the
Middle and the Late periods are situated at the central part of the village, in the
garden (tract “Ogrod”) of the old prince Sapiega’s palace. It was excavated by
E.Pavlovich, G.Ossovski and I.Sveshnikov. There were found a large number of
pottery, flint knives, copper artifacts, clay figurines, were explored remains of
houses.
There is karst cave “Verteba” where was found the Trypillian cemetery.
Cave is located in the field near the village. The wonderful cave labyrinth is more
than 8 km long. There is situated settlement of the Late period near the cave.
Excavated in XIX – XX c. by A.Kirkor, G.Ossovski, V.Demetrykevich, O.
Kandyba, I.Sveshnikov, M.Sokhatskij. Archaeologists found in the cave a bone
plate that has punctuated silhouette of the Goddess that became a symbol of
Trypillia. Dated up to the middle of IV mil. B.C.
In 1956 I.Sveshnikov and G.Vlasova discovered settlement of the Late
period near the bridge, opposite the old entrance to Verteba. The fourth
settlement, discovered by I.Sveshnikov in 1956, is located in 6 km to the north of
the village, in Kaduby tract. Dated to the first part of IV mil. BC.
The main collection of Trypillian painted pottery from Bilche (more than
300 different vessels) and figurines now are available in Krakow archaeological
museum (Poland). Some materials are kept in Lviv Historical Museum and in
Borschiv district museum.
2. Koshilivtsi, “Koshilivtsi – Oboz” settlement
Zalischiki distict Ternopil region.
There were discovered remains of few houses and graves that belong to
the Late Trypillian settlement in the place called “Oboz”(“camp”) that situated
near the village, on the right bank of Jurin river. Excavated by A.Shneider,
R.Kindl, K.Hadachek, G.Childe, Yu.Kostrzhewsky, L.Kozlovsky, Yu.Zakharuk,
P.Kravets and other archaeologists in XIX – XX c. Painted pottery and figurines
that were found there now are kept in many museums – from Moscow and Kyiv
to Krakow and Oxford. Dated up to the middle IV mil. B.C.
There are many other places of ancient settlements near Koshilivtsi that
belongs to Neolithic, Trypillia, Bronze Age, and also graves of Early Bronze Age.
3. Zhvanets
Kamyanets – Podilski distict Khmelnitsky reg.
The Late Trypillian settlement is situated opposite ruins of the medieval
fortress near the village of Zhvanets in place called “Schovb”. It is located on a
high dune washed from three sides by Zhvanchyk and Karmelitka rivers. A part
of the settlement was destroyed because of quarry. T.G. Movsha explored the
settlement in 60 – 70 th of XX c.
The ditch protected this settlement on the field side. The front side of the
earth bank and the ditch were paved with large stone flags. There was explored
a production complex, consisting of two level furnaces and places for clay
mixing. It was situated outside the boundaries of the settlement, on a plateau.
The furnaces laid in three rows over the slope of the dune. Also there were
excavated ancient houses and ceramics. Mainly, there were table, painted
vessels, semi-spherical plates, pots, and vessels with conic mouth. The painting
is performed in black and red color. Ornamental compositions consist of semi-
ovals, strips. There are drawn compositions of images of people and animals in
the middle of ovals and semi ovals. Dated up to the end of IV mil. B.C.
Several Trypillian settlements of the Middle and the Late periods were
found on the banks of Karmelitka river.
Collection from Zhvanets is exhibited in the National museum of History of
Ukraine, in Kyiv.
4. Luka Vrublivetska
Kamyanets – Podilski distict Khmelnitsky reg.
Ancient village was situated on the right bank of Dnister, near village
Vrublivtsi. Seven earth - houses were explored here by S.Bibikov in 1945 - 1950.
It was the first Early Trypillian site excavated in Ukraine. There was gathered
interesting collection of clay figurines. Dated up to the first part V mil.B.C.
Remains of Chernyakhivska culture also were explored in this place. There
are known Paleolothic site near the village.
Collections from Luka Vrublivetska are exhibited in Archaeological
museum in Kyiv and Ermitage (St.- Petersburg).
5. Nezvisko
Obertyn distict Ivano – Frankivsk region.
Multi-layer settlement is situated on the right bank of Dnister. Excavated by
L.Kozlovski in 1926 and K.Chernysh in 1951 – 1954. They explored levels, dated
from Neolithic to the beginning of II mil. A.D. ( Kyiv Rus). Two horizons of the
Trypillian culture were found on the depth of 1,6 – 2,9 m from surface. Remains
of dwellings and pits were explored on the area about 1200 sq.m. The first
Trypillian level, with pottery, decorated with polychrome painting and incised
lines, dated up to the second part of V mil. B.C. The next horizon, with pottery,
decorated with red and black painting, is dated to the end of V mil. or to the
beginning of IV mil. B.C. K. Chernysh explored in Nezvisko the grave of the
Trypillian culture with painted bowl. Traces of Trypillian copper metallurgy was
found in the second Trypillian horizon.
Collection from Nezvisko is exhibited in Ivano-Frankivsk regional museum.
6. Bernashivka
Murovani.- Kurylivtsi distict Vinnitsa region.
Settlement of the Early Trypillian culture is situated near the estuary of
Zhvan river, on the small hill in Dnister valley. Excavated by V. Zbenovich in 1972
– 1975, who explored 6 of 7 houses. It is the oldest of known Trypillian
settlements in Ukraine and dated up to the second part of VI mil. B.C. (according
to isotope dates).
Settlement of the Late period was excavated in another place near the
village. V.Zbenovich and O.Kolesnikov explored dwellings and pits with a large
amount of painted pottery. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
There are also discovered settlement and cemetery of Iron Age and
Chernyakhivska culture near Bernashivka.
Collection from Bernashivka is exhibited in Archaeological museum in
Kyiv.
7. Zalishchyki
Zalishchyki, Ternopil region.
There are known three settlements of the Trypillian culture. One of them is
located in the central part of the town, on the left bank of Dnister. Discovered in
1927. Dated to the second part of IV mil. B.C. Another settlement of the same
period was explored on the territory of brickwork by G. Ossovski (1880), T.
Sulimirski, J. Zhurowski (1930) and O. Kandyba. They excavated remains of
burnt houses and found beautiful painted polychrome pottery. Collections from
these excavations are kept in museums of Lviv, Kremenets and Zalishchyki.
Settlement in tract Ushchilivka was explored by Yu.Maleev in 1970, who
discovered here relicts of the Trypillia, Early Iron Age and VI – VII c. A.D.
Collection are kept in Kyiv University.
8. Buchach
Buchach, Ternopil region.
Settlement of the Trypillian culture is situated in Fedir tract. Excavated by
L.Kozlovski in 1922 on the area of 250 sq.m. He explored four earth-houses and
found two levels – of the Middle and the Late Trypillia and gathered a large
number of pottery, flint and stone tools, clay figurines. Dated up to the second
part of V – first part of IV mil. B.C.
Materials of digs are in Lviv Historical Museum.
9.Darabany
Khotin distict Chernivtsi region.
Two-level Trypillian settlement is located in Zamchysko tract, to the west
of the village. The lower horizon dated to the middle of V mil. and the upper one
– to the end of IV mil. B.C. The later settlement was fortified with ditch and
rampart.
Materials are kept in Chernivtsi Regional Museum and Funds of the
Institute of Archaeology (Kyiv).

VOLHYNIA
1. Bodaky
Zbarash distict Ternopil reg.
There are known two settlements of the Trypillian culture. Bodaky-I is
situated in Chorna Krinitsa tract on the high bank of Goryn river. Excavated by
O.Cynkalowski (1939), M.Makarevich (1940), Yu. Zakharuk and K.Chernysh
(1952 –54), N.Skakun ( 1991 – 1998). They explored remains of burnt houses,
pottery and flint workshops. Inhabitants of settlement produced a large number of
flint tools such are blades and flat axes for exchange. Dated to the beginning of
IV mil. B.C.
Bodaky-II is located to the south of the village, on the right bank of Goryn
river. Discovered by O.Cynkalowski in 1938, who gathered fragments of painted
pottery. Dated to the beginning of IV mil. B.C.
Collections from Bodaky are kept in museums of Kremenets, Lviv and
St.Petersburg.
2. Sandraky
Khmilnik distr, Vinnitsa region
The settlement is situated behind the eastern border of Sandraky village, on the
high cape dune, presently known as Pagurok. Its area is 0,4 ha. In 1949-1950 it
was explored by O.Lagodovska . Dated up to the beginning of III mil. B.C.
Remains of three epochs were discovered in cross-section: 17-18
century, Bronze Age, Trypillia CII.
Materials are stored in the scientific funds of the Institute of Archeology (Kyiv).
3.Troyaniv
Zhytomir region
The settlement is located on a high dune of the right bank of Gnylopiatka
river. It has shape of a peninsula. In 1956-58 M.Shmaglij excavated the remains
of 35 Trypillian dwellings of different types. During archaeological digs in
Troyaniv there was traced specifics of dwelling location in the settlement.
Dwellings were arranged in two circles, fortifying cape on the field side. Dated
up to the second part of IV mil. B.C.
Materials are stored in the scientific funds of the Institute of Archeology
(Kyiv).

SOUTH BUG
1. Sabatinivka
Ul’anivski distict Kirovograd region
There are two the Trypillian culture settlements (of the Early and the Middle
periods) near this village. Settlement of the Early Trypilla culture (Sabatinivka-II)
is situated to the north of the village, on the right bank of Synitsya river. It was
excavated by M.Makarevih and V.Danilenko in 1947-49. They explored three
houses and pits. In house No3 they found many clay figurines and “thrones” for
them. M.Makarevich reconstructed this house as Trypillian sanctuary. Dated up
to the beginning of V mil. B.C.
Settlement of Middle Trypillia (Sabatinivka-I) is dated up to the middle of
V mil. B.C. with the Late Bronze horizon above (end of II mil. BC). It is situated
near the village, on the bank of the Bug river.
Collection from Sabatinivka-II exhibited in Archaeological museum in Kyiv.
2. Berezivka
Ul’anivski distict Kirovograd region.
This settlement is situated on the cape of the left bank of Bug river, near ruins of
hydroelectric power station, in 5 km from Zavallia village. This place was
explored by V.Danilenko, V.Tsibeskov, O.Tsvek, who explored the square about
10000 sq.m and discovered ruins of more than 20 houses and earth-houses
with a large amount of the beautiful pottery and clay figurines. They also found
traces of trade relations between ancient inhabitants of Berezivka and Balkans
and Steppe communities dated from the middle of V mil. B.C. V.Danilenko
discovered two settlements of Neolithic period close to this place.
Collection from Berezivka is exhibited in Archaeological museum in Kyiv.
3. Mogilna
Gaivoron distict Kirovograd region.
In 50-th of XX c. I.Gasiuk discovered four settlements of the Early
Trypillian culture near this village, on the bank of Mogilyanka river and its
tributaries. One of them, Mogilna-III (90000 sq.m, about 120 houses) is situated
on the bank of the creek close to Zhakchik khutor, and it was one of the largest
settlements of this period in South-East Europe. On the ground surface of this
place you can find fragments of pottery, clay figurines, ancient flint tools. Dated
up to the first part V mil. B.C.
4. Gaivoron
Gaivoron distict Kirovograd region.
The large ancient settlement was situated on the territory of the town of
Gaivoron on the bank of the Bug River, near the railway bridge. Settlement was
explored by V.Danilenko and M.Makarevich in 1960. It was one of the first places
on the banks of the Bug river settled by the Trypillian culture people. Opposite to
this place, on the islands, V.Danilenko discovered settlements of the Neolithic
period.
Dated up to the first part V mil. B.C.
Collection from Gaivoron is exhibited in Archaeological museum in Kyiv.
5. Klishchiv
Tyvriv distict Vinnitsa region.
Ancient settlement is situated in 0,5 km to South from the village on cape of
the right bank of Bug river. Was excavated by I.Zaets in 1969 -1980. This
settlement occupied area about 7 ha and included 46 houses. There were found
more than 500 wonderful vessels, decorated with incised and painted ornament.
Klishchiv located on a frontier of “Western” and “Eastern” Trypillian tribes and
such a location was reflected in local culture, mainly in pottery. Dated up to the
end of V mil. B.C.
Collection of pottery and other artifacts from Klishchiv are exhibited in
Vinnitsa regional museum and Art Gallery in Vinnitsa..

TERRITORY BETWEEN SOUTH BUG AND DNIPRO

1. Popudnia
Uman distict Cherkasy region
It was one of the first Trypillian culture settlements, excavated in this region.
Explored in 1911 by M. Himner, who discovered 40 houses in this region. Total
area of settlement is approximately 40 ha. There M. Himner found many painted
pottery and clay model of house in ruins of dwellings. Thanks to this model now
we know the inner order of the Trypillian houses; in the left corner of the room
was large furnace, close to another wall there was clay bench with vessels.
Dated up to the beginning of the IV mil. B.C.
Collection from Popudnia now is in Archaeological museum in Warsaw
(Poland).
2. Dobrovody
Uman distict Cherkasy region
The Trypillian culture settlement is situated partly on the territory of the
village and partly in the field. Total area, according to topographic interpretation
by K.Shishkin is about 2,5 sq.km. From the airphoto we can see fortified city with
blocks and streets. Explored by M.Shmaglij and T.Movsha in 1974-1984. They
discovered remains of five large two-storied dwellings. Settlement in Dobrovody
was one of thirty largest Trypillian “protocities”, which were discovered in this
region. Dated up to the first part of the IV mil. B.C.
Collections from digs in Dobrovody are in Cherkasy regional museum and
Institute of archaeology NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).
3. Tallianki
Talne distict Cherkasy region
It was the largest settlement of Trypillian “protocities”. It is situated in the
field between two villages – Legedzine and Tallianki, along the road Uman –
Cherkasy. Settlement was 3,5 km long and 1,3 km wide. Total square is
approximately 450 ha, there are up to 2700 dwellings, located in oval structures,
streets and blocks. V.Kruts, during the archaeological digs started from 1981,
partly discovered two streets, remains of 26 two-storied houses. It was the
largest settlement of Europe in Neolithic. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
There were explored barrows (kurhans) with graves of Yamna culture (the
middle of III mil. BC) and some graves of the Late Bronze Age on the territory of
settlement.
Collections from excavations in Talianki are exhibited in Cherkasy regional
museum, Museum of Agriculture in Talne and Institute of Archaeology NAS of
Ukraine (Kyiv).
4. Maydanets
Talne distict Cherkasy region
There are two the Trypillian culture settlements near this village.
The first settlement, from the Early period, is situated in place, which is
called “Grebenyukiv Yar”, close to outskirts along the road from Talne to Novo-
Arkhangelsk. Total area is about 2 ha. Settlement was partly excavated by M.
Shmaglij and N. Burdo in 1981-1989. They discovered remains of three
dwellings and two earth-houses. Dated up to the end of VI - beginning of the V
mil. B.C.
Another settlement located to the west of village, on the left bank of
Tallianka river. Total area is approximately 250 ha. Settlement was oval in plan,
1.5 km long and 1.1 km wide. According to magnetic plan there are remains of
1575 houses. Near 50 different objects were dig by M. Shmaglij and his
colleagues in 1971 - 1991. They discovered remains of two-storied dwellings,
fortifications, sanctuaries, unique collection of painted pottery and figurines.
Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
On the territory of the settlement were explored two burrows with 8 graves
of Yamna culture (the middle of III mil. B.C.). There were found remains of the
Cherniakhivska culture settlement (IV c. A.D.) near the village, in Geliv Stav tract.
In the beginning of 90-th in Maydanets local Museum was organized. Here
you can see panorama of ancient Trypillian city reconstructed on the base of
archaeological data, and some finds from its territory.
Collections from digs in Maydanets are in Cherkasy regional museum,
Museum of Agriculture in Talne, National museum of History of Ukraine , and
Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).
6. Yatranivka
Uman distict Cherkasy region.
The large Trypillian settlement is situated in 1,5 km to south of Yatranivka,
on the left bank of Yatran river. Total area is about 50 ha. Settlement (according
to magnetic analysis) was triangular in plan and strongly fortified on the field
side. In central part there were streets and blocks. Was discovered in 50th by V.
Stefanovich and Yu. Hraban, explored by archaeologists from Kyiv in 70th. There
were found many fragments of painted pottery and clay figurines on the ground
surface. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C. On the bank of Yatran river
traces of settlement, dated to IV c. AD (Cherniakhivska culture) also were found.
Collections of finds from Yatranivka are in Uman museum and Institute of
Archaeology NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).
7. Sushkivka
Uman distict Cherkasy region.
The Trypillian culture settlement situated close to the village, on the hill of
the left bank of Yatran river. Total area is about 100 ha. On airphoto we can see
traces of fortifications – two long ditches. Explored by V.Kozlovska in 1916-
1926. She excavated remains of two-storied buildings. The most known artifacts
from this site are: the clay model if Trypillian dwelling with details of interior and
collection of anthropomorphous figurines. Dated up to the first part of IV mil.
B.C.
There are also five barrows, dated by Early Bronze Age and settlement of
Cherniakhivska culture in this place.
 Collections of finds from Sushkivka are in Uman museum and National
museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv.
8. Vilkhivets
Uzvenigorodka distict Cherkasy region.
The Trypillian culture settlement is situated in 1,5 km from the village, by
the road to Ryzhanivka. Total are is about 120 ha, and there are approximately
650 houses. Settlement (according to magnetic analysis) was oval in plan, with
blocks in central part. Discovered by V. Stefanovich, explored by M. Videiko in
1993. He explored remains of large two-storied dwelling. Dated up to the
beginning of III mil. B.C. It was one of the last Trypillian cities in area between
Bug and Dnipro. On the area of settlement pottery of Scythians ( VI-V c. A.D.)
also was found. There is another Trypillian settlement (from the Middle period) on
another side of Vikkhivets.
Collection of finds from Yatranivka is in Funds of the Institute of
Archaeology NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).
9. Vesioly Kut
Talne distict Cherkasy region
Settlement of the Trypillian culture is situated near the village, on the
opposite bank of Girskij Tikich river. It occupied the high hill on the territory of
150 ha. Excavated by O. Tsvek in 1968 – 1982. She explored remains of
dwellings and houses of craftsman. Two of them produced pottery, another one
made stone tools. Settlement near Vesioly Kut was one of the first Trypillian
culture “cities” on the territory between Bug and Dnipro.
Dated up to the end of V mil. B.C.
On the territory of the settlement O. Tsvek explored barrow with graves,
dated to the Early Bronze Age and found fragments of Scythian pottery (VI-V c.
BC).
Collection of finds from Yatranivka is partly exhibited in Archaeological
museum (Kyiv). Most of finds are kept in Funds of the Institute of Archaeology
NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).
10. Tomashivka
Talne distict Cherkasy region
The large Trypillian culture settlement is partly located on the territory of the
village. Total area is about 250 ha. Explored by P. Kurinnyj in 1925-1926. He
excavated remains of houses with large amount of pottery. Sometimes painted
dishes, seted in pyramids were found! In one house P. Kurinnyi found clay
conical mould for pottery. Settlement dated up to the middle of IV mil. B.C.
On this territory also pottery of Cherniakhivska culture (III – IV c. A.D.) and
roman coins were found.
Collections of finds from Sushkivka are exhibited in Uman museum and
National museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv).
11. Volodymyrivka
Novo - Arkhangelsk distict Kirovograd region
Settlement of the Trypillian culture is situated to the south of the village, on
the right bank of Sinyukha river. Total area is approximately 70 ha. Excavated in
XX c. by V. Kozlovska, T. Passek and O. Yakubenko. They explored remains of
17 different dwellings, most of them were two-storied, with living room on the
second floor. V. Kozlovska excavated a clay model of temple, decorated with
red, black and white paint and small clay figurine – portrait of old woman. T.
Passek and O. Yakubenko found many beautiful Trypillian vessels and figurines
in this place. Dated up to the beginning of IV mil. B.C.
Paleolithic and Neolithic sites also were found and excavated by
V.Danilenko and O.Chernysh in 60-th near Volodymyrivka.
Collections of finds from Volodymyrivka are exhibited in Uman museum
and National museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv).
12. Gordashivka
Tal’ne distict Cherkasy region.
The large Trypillian settlement is located on the territory of the village and
in the field. Total area is approximately 130 ha. Excavated by M.Shmaglij and
V.Shumova. They explored remains of two houses and gathered interesting
collection of pottery, decorated with paint and incised ornament. Dated up to the
beginning of IV mil. B.C. There are known three small (2-10 ha) Trypillian
settlements in the fields close to Gordashivka village.
Paleolithic site (was explored by M.Gladkikh) and Chernyakhivska culture
settlements also were found on the territory and outskirts of the village.
Finds from Gordashivka are kept in Uman museum and Funds of the
Institute of Archaeology Nas of Ukraine.
13. Talne
Talne town, Cherkasy region.
Talne-1, the large Trypillian settlement, is situated on the territory of the
town, opposite to the market. It occupied area approximately 40 ha on the right
bank of Gnilyi Tikich river. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C. In 1990,
V.Kruts and M.Videiko explored two small settlements (Talne-2 and -3) that are
in 3 km to the east, on the bank of creek near gas compressor plant. They
excavated here remains of seven houses. According to their opinion these
settlements belonged to Maydanets “city” and dated to the same period – the
first part of IV mil. B.C.
There are also known the Chernyakhivska culture settlements and
Medieval settlement on the territory of Talne. The Count Shuvalovs' lodge
(beginning of XX c.) that is Museum of History Agriculture now, located in the old
park on the picturesque riverbank. This museum has an impressive collection of
Trypillian antiquities that are mainly from different sites in Cherkasy region.
14. Nebelivka
Novo-Arkhangelsk distict Kirovograd region
The Trypillian culture settlement is situated in the field between Nebelivka
and Oksanino villages. Total area is approximately 300 ha. From airphoto we
know that it was oval in plan, with blocks and streets in central part. Explored by
M.Shmaglij in 1981. He found a beautiful “set”, composed of five small painted
vessels and two bowls. Dated up to the beginning of IV mil. B.C.
There also was found pottery of the Chernyakhivska culture near the village,
to the southeast, on the banks of the creek. There are located 6 barrows in the
fields near Nebelivka.
Collection of finds from Nebelivka is exhibited in Museum of the History of
Agriculture in Talne. Most of other finds are kept in Uman museum and Funds of
the Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).
15.Glybochok
Talne distict Cherkasy region.
The Trypillian culture settlement is situated to the west of the village on
plateau, in Shkilne tract. Total area is approximately 200 ha. Excavated in 1899
by V.Domanitskyi and in 1984-1995 by S. Ryzhov. Dwellings were arranged in
two ovals as it is seen from airphoto by K.Shyshkin. Fortified entrance, blocks
and street are visible from magnetic plan by V.Dudkin. Diameter of the external
oval is 1000 m, internal diameter is approximately 800 m. Distance between
ovals is from 800 to 100 m. Totally there were more than 1000 houses. S.Ryzhov
explored two of them. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
Collections of finds from Glybochok are in Museum of the History of
Agriculture in Talne and People Museum in Legedzine. Some finds are kept in
Funds of the Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv).

DNIPRO
1. Trypillia
Obukhiv distict Kyiv region
It is eponymous place for Copper Age archeological culture. In 1897-1899,
V.Khvoika explored sites near the town with remains of burnt clay and molded
pottery, decorated with incised and painted ornament. He proved it as a
separate archaeological culture in his report on XI Archaeological Congress
(Kyiv, August of 1899).
Remains of two settlements are located between the town of Trypillia and
village of Khalepie, on the bank of Bobritsa river. Another settlement is located
on plateau between Ukrainka town and Trypillia village.
The central part of the town occupied the high hill on the right bank of the
Dnipro river. In X c. AD there was built city Trepol, that was mentioned in annals
of Kyiv Rus; in XV-XVII c. there was built castle in this place. Now there is
Archaeological Museum of Kyiv region (1996).
Collections of finds from V. Khvoika’s digs are exhibited in National
museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv).
2. Veremiya
Obukhiv distict Kyiv region
There are eight Trypillian settlements near this village. On the territory of the
village V.Khvoika in 1897-1899 explored remains of the Trypillian culture
settlement. Dated up to the second part of V mil. B.C. Another three settlements
were excavated to the south of Veremiya, in Dovjok, Lysky and Taburyshche
tracts, on the plateau of right bank of Bobritsa river. Dated to the first part of IV
mil. B.C. Four small Trypillian settlements are located in fields between
Veremiya and Zhukivtsi.
Collections of finds from archaeological digs near Veremiya are exhibited
in National museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv).
3. Shcherbanivka
Obukhiv distict Kyiv region
There are three Trypillian culture settlements near Shcherbanivka. The first,
explored by V.Khvoika, is situated on the left bank of Krasnaya river. It was one
of the first settlements of Trypillian people in Dnipro region, dated now up to the
second part of V mil. B.C. Trypillians produced pottery with incised decoration.
Painted pottery they imported from the western Trypillian regions. Another
settlements are located in Shyroke and Dolyna tracts on plateau between
Shcherbanivka, Dolyna and Zhukivtsi. They were explored by Trypilska
expedition in 1934-1935.
Collections of finds from digs near Shcherbanivka are exhibited in National
museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv).
4. Khalepie (Kolomyjschina)
Obukhiv distict Kyiv region
Eight Trypillian culture sites are known near Khalepie village. Two of
them, in Kolomyjshchina tract, are one of the best explored. This places were
discovered by V. Khvoika, but the main excavations were provided by
archaeologists from Kyiv (S. Magura, V. Petrov, M. Makarevitch, N. Kordysh, K.
Korshak), Moscow (T. Passek) and Leningrad (E. Krichevsky) who worked in
Trypilska expedition between 1934 and 1939.
Kolomyjschina tract is situated to the south of the village, not far from the
road to Rzhyschiv. In Kolomyjschina-I tract expedition excavated 37 houses,
which constituted circle with three dwellings in the central part. The largest of
them were 6 m wide and 20 m long. This settlement dated up to the middle of IV
mil. B.C. There also were explored six similar houses of settlement in
Kolomyjschina-II tract. This settlement is dated to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
Another settlements are located to the south on plateau over Svirch river
(Grushova, Sheremetiv Kut, Zholudivka and other tracts). They are dated up to
the first part of IV mil. B.C.
Collections of finds from excavations near Khalepie are exhibited in
National museum of History of Ukraine (Kyiv).
5. Grebeni
Kagarlyk distict Kyiv region
Six Trypillian culture sites are known near Grebeni village. In August of
1899 delegates of XI Archaeological Congress visited places of digs that
V.Khvoika organized near Grebeni. In 1960-1964, Trypillian expedition from
Kyiv, led by S.Bibikov explored remains of 26 houses in tract Vasylishin Yar (500
m to the north, near the road Trypillia – Rzhyshchiv). This settlement is dated to
the first part of IV mil. B.C., the same time that Kolomyjschina-II.
Another Trypillian culture settlement was discovered in the central part of
Grebeni, and now it is destroyed. Four settlements are situated to the south of
Grebeni, in Vynogradne, Ya ncha (two settlements) and Popova Levada tracts.
They are dated up to the first part – middle of IV mil. B.C.
Pottery of the Chernyakhivska culture was found on the territory of
Vasylishin Yar and Yancha-I tracts. In the central part of Grebeni and in tract
Vynogradne are traces of Early Slavs settlements (approx. VIII c. A.D.). Fortified
site of Zarubinetska culture occupied high hill on the right bank of Dnipro,
opposite to Trypillian settlement in Vynogradne tract. A large barrow cemetery of
IX – XI c. is located below this fortress. You can visit Museum in the center of
Grebeni village.
Collections from digs near Grebeni are exhibited in Archaeological
Museum in Kyiv.
6.Yushki
Kagarlyk distict Kyiv region
The Trypillian settlement is on the territory of the village, in “Kuryache
Pole” tract. Total area is approximately 2 ha. First excavations were carried by
V.Khvoika. Dated to the beginning of IV mil. B.C. Another settlement in
“Zhurivka” tract located in 3 km to the west of Yushki, near the field road to
Zikrachi. Total area is about 5 ha. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
There are also two settlements of the Chernyakhivska culture (III-IV c.
A.D.) to the south of Yushki.
Collections of finds from Yushki are in National museum of History of
Ukraine (Kyiv).
7. Rzhyschiv
Kagarlyk distict Kyiv region
Four Trypillian culture settlements are known near the town. The first was in
1,5 km to the north, near the restorative tourist complex on the cape of plateau,
“Dolyna” tract (partly destroyed). Another settlement is in Ripnitsa tract, to the
south of town. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
Settlement in Khomin Lis tract is located near the road to Ulyanyki. Total
area is 5 ha, approx. 140 different objects. Explored by M.Videiko in 1994.
Remains of two houses and one pit were discovered. Here was found an
interesting collection of clay figurines. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C.
In 1900 V.Khvoika explored Trypillian settlement “on hills near Rzyshchiv”.
According to published plan, this site was in 3-4 km to the south, on plateau near
village Balyko-Schuchinka. Here V.Khvoika discovered near 40 objects –
remains of temporary village. Dated up to the first part of IV mil. B.C. Local
ancient people fished in Dnipro river and hunted on its banks (it is the best place
for fishing around Rzyshchiv present days). May be it was a seasonal site of
people that lived in houses, explored at Khomin Lis tract .
Collections of finds from Rzyshchiv are in National museum of History of
Ukraine (Kyiv) and Funds of the Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine.
8. Grygorivka
Kaniv distict Cherkasy region.
Three sites of the Trypillian culture are known near this village. Settlement in
Khatysche tract is located in 2 km to the north, on cape of plateau, near the road
to Lukovytsa. Total are is about 2 ha. Remains of two houses and three pits were
explored by M.Videiko in 1993. Ancient inhabitants of Khatysche lived in two-
storied buildings, similar to buildings of Trypillian cities in Cherkasy region.
Dated up to the first part of IV mil. BC
Two sites of Trypillian fishers and hunters were found on the bank of Dnipro,
in 0,2-1,5 km to the north of Grygorivka. First, in Ignatenkova Gora tract, was
explored by M.Shmaglij in 1961 and M.Videiko in 1993. They discovered
remains of few temporary earth-houses and traces of economical activity,
connected with products of Dnipro river and valley. V.Petrashenko explored
another similar site, partly destroyed by inhabitants of the Kyiv Rus settlement, in
Popove Pole tract. All Trypillian sites dated up to the first half of IV mil. B.C.
It is interesting, that these ancient settlements belonged to people of different
Trypillian tribes. Settlement of Kaniv group in Khatysche appeared before sites
of Kolomyjschina type on the bank of Dnipro.
 There are situated fortified place of Scythians and two large Kyiv Rus
settlements near Grigorivka village.
Collections of finds from archaeological digs near Crygorivka are kept in
Funds of the Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine.

THE BLACK SEA LITTORAL

1. Usatove
Usatove, Odessa region.
Complex that include ancient settlement, carved sanctuaries and cemeteries is
located on a plateau of the high bank of Khadzhybey estuary, near Odessa. It
was explored by M.Boltenko, O.Lagodovska, V..Zbenovych and by E.F.
Patokova in XX c. There were excavated mounds with megalithic constructions
and rich graves of the Early Bronze Age. There were found large copper
daggers that were imported from Anatoliya. Dated up to the end of IV –
beginning of III mil. B.C. It was one of the latest places, occupied by ancestors of
Trypillian civilization.
Collection from Usatove is exhibited in Odessa Archaeological Museum.

2. Mayaki
Mayaky, Odessa region
Settlement of Usatove - type is located in the northwestern suburbs of Mayaky
village. It occupied a cape on the edge of a high terrace of the Dniester river.
During archaeological digs V. Zbenovych has explored two ditches. Ditches
were filled with layers of loam and charcoal, fragments of pottery, animal bones,
and shells. Traces of fireplaces occur there at different layers. E. Patokova and
V. Petrenko explored Usatove - type cemetery near the village. Settlement is
dated up to the end of IV - beginning of III mil. B.C.
Collection from Mayaky cemeteries is exhibited in Odessa Archaeological
Museum.

Kyiv, 20.03.2000

© 2000 M. Videiko
© 2000 Sirin