Archaeological Culture of Russia

Archaeological culture is a collection of artifacts that relate to one particular terrain and era. Its name derives from the distinctive features of the ornament used in this or that territory. The term "culture" in archeology differs somewhat from the generally accepted definition. It can be used only if the discoveries of scientists give an idea of the way people lived a few thousand years ago.

Archaeological cultures of Russia include several stages of development. Each of them passes from one to another. Given the fact that the territory of the country is quite large, at the same time it could live tribes belonging to different cultures, leading far from the same way of life.

Culture of the Middle Stone Age

There is no such thing as the archaeological culture of the Mesolithic, in fact. At that time, the tribes were not yet divided among themselves. People tried to survive, and there was no difference how exactly they did it. Someone gradually began to practice farming, someone continued to hunt, and someone tamed animals, set the pace of modern cattle. However, this period of time can not be completely thrown away, since it was he who initiated the formation of many civilizations.

At this stage, the first types of archaeological cultures appeared. Scientists and archaeologists do not believe that they need to be separated so early. But the rudiments were laid. Each tribe departed from its former congeners, separated by various characters, be it a way of life, the ethnic side of the issue or, for example, the ways of burial of the deceased ancestors. But the stage under consideration should in no case be underestimated, because its study will help to answer questions related to the emergence of subsequent cultures.

Trypillian civilization

Trypillian archaeological culture dates from the Eneolithic (5-2 millennium BC). It received its name from the area where the first monuments were discovered. It happened in the village of Tripolye.

It is noteworthy that around the 18th century excavations were carried out on the territory of Romania, during which the culture of Cucuteni was discovered. She also received her name thanks to the village, near which artifacts related to her were found. Initially, it was believed that the two cultures differed. So it was until the scientists compared the found things and monuments. It turned out that the Kukutens and Trypillians were the same people.

Discovered artifacts allowed scientists to come to the conclusion that the archaeological culture in question was the largest on the territory of Russia and Europe, its population in its heyday exceeded 15 thousand people.

As for the life of this civilization, it went through the same way as in other places during the Stone Age. Toward the end of the period, people began to develop clay, now it was used not only for domestic purposes, but also for decorative purposes. It produced figurines and other pottery products.

Dolmens

The dolmen archeological culture did not particularly affect the development of tribes located on the territory of modern Russia. It originated in India around the 10th millennium BC. But the peoples began their journeys to the west much later. It happened in the 3rd millennium BC. The dolmens were then divided into two parts. The first went to the Caucasus, the second - to Africa, mainly to Egypt. In Russia, at that time, another civilization dominated, so the tribes could only supplement the cultural heritage. As for development in Egypt, it was here that they were able to fully reveal themselves.

Its name was given to this archaeological culture from the Breton language, and in translation means "stone table". Despite the fact that its influence on the Slavic territory was not high, the largest concentration of monuments is located near the Black Sea coast and in the Krasnodar Territory. It is likely that other monuments have simply not survived to the present day.

The dolmens discovered an abundance of stone and bronze products, these materials were used not only for the production of tools and hunting, but also for ornaments. Many of them were found directly in the graves. By the way, they were also called dolmens, like the tribes themselves. These burial places were similar to the Egyptian pyramids. Most researchers allow the option that some dolmens were erected for religious or cultural purposes, rather than funeral. This is due to the fact that the buildings themselves often had a greater age than the remains found in them. Thus, it is likely that it was the dolmish civilization that laid the foundation for the pyramids, which have survived and are admired by many to this day.

Catacomb culture

Catacomb archeological culture came to the Slavic territory from the east, it was first discovered in the 19th century. Its appearance and flowering date back to the early Bronze Age. Some sources say that the appearance of catacomb tribes is oriented in general to the Copper Age. In a word, it was not yet possible to indicate the exact date of the origin of culture.

Tribes have not advanced beyond the European border, so their influence on the development of neighboring civilizations is only superficial. Its name was given to this archaeological culture thanks to the method of burials, which had a huge number of differences. For example, if you compare the catacomb and pit tribes, then the last for the funeral was enough to dig a small pit. The depth of the burial was the same at a level of 3-5 meters. Moreover, these barrows often had several branches, they went deep or just in the sides. It is believed that in such catacombs were buried either people from the same family, or the same in rank or status.

The household appliances of the catacomb tribes were also quite different. First, they almost did not have a flat bottom. However, this can be explained by the fact that the tribes did not yet understand the whole convenience of such a production, or they did not have such an opportunity. Secondly, all the dishes had squat forms. Even if you pick up a jug, its height is very small. There was also a primitive ornament. Like all the tribes of the time, it was carried out with the help of the impressions of the cord. Only the upper part of the product was decorated.

The guns were made mostly of flint. This material was used in the production of arrowheads, knives, daggers and so on. Some skilled craftsmen in the tribes used wood to make dishes. Bronze was used only for the production of jewelry.

Culture of Russia in the Bronze Age

Unfortunately, the archaeological culture of the Bronze Age in Russia has not been able to reach its peak, but in general development, this large-scale period can not be ignored. It dates from the 4th-3rd millennium BC. E. The Russians of that time were engaged in agriculture. Forest processing was more prevalent, but gradually people began to develop the cultivation of less fertile land.

There is a small leap in the construction of houses. If before the settlements built residential buildings only in the valleys, now they are moving to the hills. Also primitive strengthening of houses begins.

The early archaeological culture of the Bronze Age is distinguished by Maikop settlements. Late is divided into several different complexes. The most extensive in the occupied territories are the log and Andronovo cultures.

Maikop Culture

Maykop archaeological culture dates back to the early Bronze Age, it existed in the 3rd millennium BC. E. In the North Caucasus. From the found monuments and artifacts it can be concluded that the population was engaged in livestock breeding and farming. Culture originated in the north-west and in the center of the Caucasus. A distinctive feature of the tribes is archaic in the production of tools and household items. However, despite the outdated appearance of these products, the civilization gradually developed. In addition, it was not inferior to the rest of the territories with more modern instruments of labor at that time.

Also, thanks to the findings of archaeologists, it can be concluded that the Maikop archaeological culture during its heyday did not limit its territorial affiliation to the Northern Caucasus alone. There are traces in Chechnya, on the Taman Peninsula, up to Dagestan and Georgia. By the way, on the borders with these localities two different cultures (Kuro-Arak and Maikop) are found, their interweaving is observed. Prior to the cross-border findings, scientists believed that the stages in question were occurring at different times. And while there is no rational explanation for the mixture of cultures.

Felling culture

The logging archaeological culture dates back to the 2nd-1st millennium BC. E. The territory of the tribes under consideration was quite wide, it extended from the Dnieper to the Urals, from the Kama to the shores of the Black and Caspian seas. Its name is due to the abundance of log buildings. Do not remain without attention and funeral rites, burial grounds, over which it is usually erected sheds.

Settlements of tribes were located directly near the rivers, usually on capes terraces. Often they were fortified with moats and ramparts. The buildings themselves were not strengthened, but with good external protection, this did not have to be done. As indicated, all the buildings were made of wood, sometimes the construction was supplemented with clay mixtures.

The archaeological culture was distinguished, like many others, by burial methods. Unlike their predecessors, the tribes saw off the dead individually, mass graves are extremely rare. The burials were made in groups, in one place along 10-15 mounds. There is a characteristic feature of the location of the dead - on the side, head to the north. Some burials include cremated dead, as well as dismembered. It could be either tribal leaders or criminals.

During the cuttings culture, thick flat-bottomed dishes were used. At first, they tried to decorate her with ornament. Later they made usual pots or vessels. If there was an ornament, it was notched or smooth. A common feature in any decorating tableware is the predominance of geometric shapes. Rarely did we find incomprehensible signs, which most researchers attribute to primitive writing.

Initially, all the guns were made of flint and bronze, but at the late stage, the addition of iron was noted. Economic activity was cattle breeding, but agriculture is more common.

Andronov Culture

Andronovo archaeological culture got its name due to the place where the first finds related to it were discovered. It dates from the 2nd-1st millennium BC. E. The tribes lived around the modern village of Andronovo (Krasnoyarsk Territory).

A distinctive feature of the culture is considered to be cattle breeding. People bred white-legged sheep, hardy horses and bulls-heavyweights. Thanks to these animals, they were able to develop rapidly. Some scientists suggest that the Andronovians passed to the territory of India and laid the foundations of their own civilization on it.

Initially the Andronovians lived in the Trans-Urals, then they moved to Siberia, where some of them continued their journey towards Kazakhstan. Until now, despite the abundance of various finds and artifacts, scientists can not determine why the tribes decided on such a large-scale migration.

If you compare all the archaeological cultures of Russia, living in the Bronze Age, it was the Andronovs who became the most militant. They created chariots and could strike at detachments or even full settlements more quickly than anyone else. This is probably the reason for the migration, because in pursuit of a better life, they tried to find more comfortable land. And if you have to - and conquer them.

Yamnaya culture

At the end of the Bronze Age, a pompous archeological culture enters into force. On the territory of Russia, these tribes come from the east, and their distinctive feature is early cattle breeding. Many peoples began to develop from agriculture, the same immediately moved to breeding animals. Its name was given to the culture because of funerary holes. They were simple and primitive, but this is what distinguished them.

At the moment, a pit archaeological culture is the most studied. The mounds were located on the tops of the plateau, they were tried to remove as much as possible from the rivers. It is likely that once the settlement flooded during the flood, so people have become more accurate. Rarely were they found near the rivers. All the graves were located along the current, in small groups (approximately 5 dead). The distance from one burial to another could be completely different, from 50 to 500 meters.

Household appliances pit tribes produced from clay. As in the previous era, these were flat-bottomed vessels of different sizes. There were huge amphorae, in which, presumably, cereals and liquids were stored, as well as small pots. Ornamentation on the dishes was done with the help of strong cords, their prints made up all the decor.

From the flint, arrowheads, axes and other weapons were made. It should be noted that the pits were not manually digested by man, primitive drilling rigs were created, which were heavier with stones if the earth was solid.

The tribes used wood in the production, from which they made quite complicated constructions for that time. They were stretchers, sleighs, boats and small wagons.

In the course of the research, all scientists noted the originality of the pit culture, the tribes responsibly treated the bodies of the deceased, therefore they are attributed not only material but also spiritual values. Moreover, these nationalities extended their influence to neighboring settlements.

It is likely that the chariots were not originally made for aggressive purposes. Since Andronov, like many other cultures, were cattle breeders, such primitive machines were supposed to help them in grazing animals. Later, the tribes discovered the productivity of chariots in the military sphere, which they immediately took advantage of.

Imenkov Culture

Imenkov archaeological culture dates from the early Middle Ages (4-7th century). It was located on the territory of modern Tatarstan, Samara and Ulyanovsk regions. Also, there are genetic links with other cultures that were in the neighborhood.

After the Bulgars came to the territory of culture, most of the Imenkovites went west. After some time they moved to a new stage of development - they laid the foundation for the Volyn people. The remainder mingled with the population and eventually lost all of its cultural accumulation and knowledge.

The Imenkov archeological culture occupies a special place in the development of the Slavic people. It was the tribes in question that were the first to start farming. During this process, they used primitive plows on which metal tips were fixed. In addition, in the harvesting process, the Imenkovs also used relatively modern tools for that time - iron sickles and braids. Storage of grain is oriented to dug pits-pantries, akin to modern cellars. The grinding of the crop was carried out on a millstone in a manual version.

Imenkovtsy quickly developed not only within their tribes. They had workshops, where the mined metals were melted, some rooms were intended specifically for artisans. They could produce dishes, tips for plows or, for example, sickles. The tribes had a positive influence on neighboring settlements, offering them their knowledge, craftsmanship, agriculture and cattle breeding. Therefore, it is impossible to underestimate the cultural heritage of Imenkov not only Russians, but also neighboring countries.

Apparently, many archaeological cultures of the Slavs came to the territory of modern Russia from the east or west. In the first case, people learned new forms and characteristics of farming, mastered the skills of cattle breeding. Western tribes also helped in the development of hunting weapons and combat vehicles. One thing is certain - every new culture has made a huge contribution to the overall mental advancement of entire nationalities, regardless of what innovations it has bestowed.