Issues of Museumification of the Kytaiv Archaeological and Historical Complex

Abstract

Kyivan Rus was a powerful state in Europe. Since then, numerous architectural monuments have been preserved in Ukraine. However, the majority of buildings underwent multiple reconstructions during the Middle Ages. Therefore, the Kytaiv complex holds exceptional significance for Kyiv. After the invasion of 1240, it has remained largely intact until the present day, with only a few exceptions. Archaeological excavations of the settlement were conducted within a relatively small area.The purpose of the article is to explore the potential for transforming the Kytaiv complex into a museum site. It is situated 12 km south of Starokyivska Hora on the right high bank of the Dnieper River, near the confluence of a small stream. In close proximity, a burial mound was discovered to the south of the settlement, along with an open settlement. Within the settlement’s territory, in addition to the Old Russian, ceramics were discovered from the Trypillia, Scythian, dating back to the 14–16 centuries. The territory of the site is divided by beams, ravines, artificial ramparts, and ditches, forming five fortified platforms. These platforms can be grouped into three sections; two advanced fortifications and the area of the citadel itself. The shaft was constructed using cages filled with soil. The path to the top of the citadel went along the eastern and western sections of the settlement. In the southern corner of the citadel, there was a raised platform believed to be the location of the tallest tower of the citadel, the donjon. The flat top of the citadel served as the foundation for a spacious residential building of the terem type. In the northwestern part of the citadel there was a small gate leading to the nearby stream. The gate was also constructed in the form of a traditional gate. To the south, the settlement is surrounded by two ramparts and ditches, which are deepenings of natural gullies. It remains unclear how the passages through the ramparts were designed. Further excavations are needed to determine when they were constructed. It is possible that the flat top of the citadel also had additional fortifications along its edges. Within the territory of the settlement, there is an entrance to one of the horizons of the Kytaiv caves.