Unique 11th–13th Century Backgammon Piece Unearthed by Archaeologists in Halych

Archaeological Discovery in Halych

According to НВ — Техно: On June 26, 2026, a bone backgammon piece dating from the 11th to 13th centuries was uncovered during excavations of the Annunciation Church in Halych. The find came from a team of specialists at the Center for Medieval Studies and students from the Faculty of History, Political Science, and International Relations, who began digging on June 25. Excavation leader Oleh Melnychuk, a research fellow in the cultural heritage protection department, emphasized that archaeological work in this area is crucial for understanding the history of medieval Halych.

Andriy Stasiuk, scientific secretary of the National Preserve “Ancient Halych” and a PhD in history, discovered the bone piece at a depth of about 60 cm. He noted:

“The very first day of research already yielded an extremely interesting find. It’s likely a backgammon piece. Similar artifacts are known from discoveries in Winchester (Hampshire, England) and are dated to the 11th–13th centuries.” – Andriy Stasiuk

Trypillian Culture Artifacts

Separately, a research group led by PhD in history Taras Tkachuk and colleagues surveyed a field near the village of Medynia in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. There, they found artifacts from the Trypillian culture that had lain in the ground for over five thousand years. Among the items discovered:

• flint knapping tools
• flakes
• fragments of Trypillian pottery
• two axe fragments made of opoka

The field is currently planted with soybeans and buckwheat.

The Annunciation Church, where the excavations are taking place, is one of the most notable landmarks of medieval Halych. Oleh Melnychuk highlighted that its architecture features distinct Western European influences, pointing to the church’s special role in the life of the medieval city.

The ongoing digs in Halych open new avenues for studying Ukraine’s medieval history, particularly the cultural and social aspects of life at that time. Artifacts like the bone backgammon piece not only enrich the archaeological record but also serve as important evidence of intercultural exchanges during the Middle Ages. Continued research may lead to further discoveries that deepen our understanding of the historical context of medieval Halych and its significance in Ukrainian history.

In addition to the recent backgammon piece discovery, archaeological efforts in Ukraine have revealed other significant finds, such as ancient female garments dating back over 2,500 years. These artifacts not only shed light on the cultural practices of their time but also highlight the rich historical tapestry of the region, making ongoing excavations vital for understanding Ukraine's past.