Ethnic composition of the population of the chora of the Olbian polis of the VI–III centuries BC (based on studies of rural necropolises)

Aim. The proposed article, based on long-term studies of necropolises in the rural area of Olbia, exam ines issues related to the ethnic composition of the population of the agrarian territory of the Olbian state.

Methodology. The archaeological materials available at present indicate that the titular ethnic group among the inhabitants of the polis, beginning with the colonization of the Lower Bug region and later, was Greek. The methods of analysis of archaeological material were used to study the characteristic features of the ethnic composition of the population.

Results. The study notes the initial heterogeneity of the Ionian population itself, which took part in the colonization process. The presence of the local population of the Northern Black Sea region (Scythians, Thracians) among the inhabitants of the chora was also taken into account. However, against the background of the unconditional perception by the natives of the local Black Sea tribes, who could live in the chora, of Greek ideology, culture and life, as well as the impossibility of identify ing clear, specifically barbaric features of the ritual. No specific features of barbarian traditions can be traced in the burial practices inherent in the rural necropolises of the Olbian polis.

Research implications. The conducted analysis of the problem of the ethnic composition of the population of the chora of the Olbian polis in the specified period allowed us to more specifically present the problem in its multifaceted perspective.

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