PERIODIZATION OF THE CATACOMB CULTURE (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE MOUNDS NEAR THE VILLAGE OF CHIKOLA, NORTH OSSETIA)

Abstract

Aim. Reconstruction of the process of changes in the Kuban-Terek culture (North Caucasian cultural and historical area with catacomb monuments) and periodization of the catacomb culture in North Ossetia. Methodology. Stratigraphy and description of the grave goods in Bronze Age catacombs in the kurgans near Chicola village. Comparative analysis of ceramics of the Kuban-Terek and Catacomb cultures of North Ossetia as the basis for the Catacomb culture periodization. Results. Establishment of three stages of Catacomb culture in North Ossetia and the transition model from the Kuban-Terek culture to the Catacomb culture, as changing the shape of burial structure, while preserving the grave goods of the previous culture. Research implications. Confirmation of the conclusions about the genetic relationship of the Kuban-Terek and early Catacomb cultures in the territory of North Ossetia.