Archaeological Complex of Romny Culture Near the Kamin Village on the Seim
Abstract
The purpose of the research paper is to analyze the results of the research on the archaeological complex of the Romny culture near the Kamin village in the middle reaches of the Seim.
The scientific novelty. The materials of archaeological explorations of the complex of sites of the Romny culture near the Kamin village are introduced into scientific circulation. According to the research outcomes, at the site, a general map of the location of the components of the archaeological complex is compiled, artifacts originating from the settlement territory are analyzed, and a variant of the reconstruction of the resource managing zone of the Siverians separate community is proposed.
Research methodology. A range of methods, inherent in both the humanities and the exact sciences, are employed in the study. Cartographic modeling facilitated the remodeling of the layout system of the archaeological complex and is an effective tool in reconstructing the resource zone of the settlement. The analytical method allows for the identification of cultural and chronological correspondences to the artifacts found among the finds of the Romny archaeological culture and cultural communities synchronous with it. Applying the X-ray fluorescence analysis method for metals and alloys makes it possible to find out the elemental composition of the finds and determine specific characteristics pertaining to their provenance.
Conclusions. The archaeological complex of the Romny culture near the Kamin village is a settlement complex of the Siverians community, including a core fortification, several settlements, and a burial mound. Their research has spanned over five decades. Initially, the remains of a burial mound and several settlements were discovered, which are now localized on the ground. The final site to be explored was a core fortification that had previously been occupied by a monastery of the Cossack era. The presence of the core fortification enables the combining of the known settlements and burial objects into a single complex, as well as determining its place among the synchronous sites of the Romny culture of Putyvl and Seim river region (Poséymia). The resource zone of this community was formed by the presence of a balanced natural environment, which is represented by a forest massif, a wide floodplain of the Seim and Kleven rivers, as well as the availability of soils suitable for agriculture.
A specific range of occupations, including woodworking, fishing, and trade, characterizes the material culture of the local population. Some finds may be associated with the existence of professional military men (druzhyna). The jewelry unearthed at the settlement originates from other regions of residence of the Slavic population – the Novgorod Slovenes, the Uliches, and the Tivertsi. This settlement is located near the crossing site over the Seim, which is known from Early Modern Period sources, which could also have facilitated the engagement of the local populace in commercial activities. The find of a Kufic dirham dated to the first half of the 10th century and three lead weight pieces are associated with trade operations.
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