Unique mound at the estuary of the Bolshoy Adzhalyk in Odessa
https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5164-2026-2-48-63
Abstract
Aim. To introduce into scientific circulation a unique burial mound, explored in 1988 in the upper reaches of the Bolshoy Adzhalyk estuary, in the south of the Odessa region of Ukraine. As a result of excavations in the mound, a cult complex was discovered that has no direct analogues in the given territory.
Methodology. The article describes in detail the design of the mound and 17 burials of different historical epochs, discovered in its embankment. A comparative analysis of the mound structure was carried out, and its historical and cultural attribution was given.
Results. The analysis of stratigraphy, as well as construction and burial complexes, showed that there was no main burial in this mound. This indicates that it had a religious purpose. Most likely, it was associated with various ritual activities. It is significant that all the discovered burials from different cultures were incorporated into the final mound, and the earliest of these were from the Yamnaya culture. Therefore, it can be assumed that this construction complex was built during the Chalcolithic era.
Research implications. This mound is unique in the North-Western Black Sea region and has no direct analogues. However, there are several ancient mounds in this region that serve as Chalcolithic sanctuaries. The allocation of this group of sub-kurgan structures allows us to illuminate the religious beliefs of the ancient pastoral population in the Prut-Dniester interfluve.
About the Authors
L. V. Subbotin
Odessa Archaeological Museum
Ukraine
Ukraine
Leonid V. Subbotin – Cand Sci (History), Scientist, Teacher, Archaeologist, Researcher
Odessa
E. V. Yarovoy
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Evgeniy V. Yarovoy – Dr Sci (History), Prof , Department of General History
Moscow
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