Archaeological Excavations in Halych
A bone gaming piece, likely used for backgammon and dating back to the 11th–13th centuries, was uncovered on June 26 during an archaeological dig in Halych at a depth of 60 cm. The excavations, which began on June 25, are being carried out by specialists from the Centre for Medieval Studies and the National Reserve "Ancient Halych," along with students from the Faculty of History, Political Science, and International Relations. The head of the excavation, Oleh Melnychuk, is a research fellow in the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection.
The discovery was made by Andriy Stasiuk, a Candidate of Historical Sciences and the academic secretary of the National Reserve "Ancient Halych," at the specified depth. Archaeologists note that similar artifacts have been found in Winchester, Hampshire, England, and are dated to the same period—11th–13th centuries. As Andriy Stasiuk stated:
“The first day of research has already yielded an extremely interesting find. The academic secretary of the National Reserve 'Ancient Halych,' Candidate of Historical Sciences Andriy Stasiuk, discovered a bone gaming piece at a depth of about 60 cm, likely for backgammon. Similar artifacts are known from finds in Winchester (Hampshire, England) and are dated to the 11th–13th centuries.”
Additional Artifacts Found
During the excavations, the research team also uncovered several other artifacts, including:
- flint hammerstones
- flint flakes
- fragments of Trypillian pottery
- two axe fragments made of opoka (a type of sedimentary rock)
The material discovered near the village of Medynia in the Ivano-Frankivsk region is over five thousand years old. The research is being conducted in a field planted with soybeans and buckwheat. The team also includes Candidate of Historical Sciences Taras Tkachuk, Ihor Krekhovetskyi, Andriy Fihol, Nadiia Melnyk, and local resident and restorer Volodymyr Pikuliak.
These excavations highlight the importance of studying the region's cultural heritage and provide new insights into the history of Galicia. The discovery of a bone backgammon piece illustrates how daily life in the past intertwined with leisure activities and points to potential cultural exchanges between different European regions during the Middle Ages. The significance of such finds lies not only in their historical value but also in their ability to engage the public in preserving Ukraine's cultural heritage.
This remarkable find in Halych adds to the rich tapestry of archaeological discoveries in Ukraine. Notably, similar significant artifacts, such as ancient garments dating back over 2,500 years, have also been uncovered recently. These discoveries not only highlight the region's historical importance but also provide valuable insights into the lives of those who lived in these eras. For more on this intriguing archaeological revelation, explore the details of the rare female garments found in Ukraine.