The best of Transcarpathia… Archeology

Transcarpathia is an incredibly beautiful land where there are many unique natural objects and breathtaking views. But besides this, one should turn to the very origins, that is, the archaeological sites that make Transcarpathia the best and also very interesting for the tourist community.

Archaeological excavations of ancient human settlements and remnants of castles indicate the presence of Scythians, Celts, Dacians, Romans, Germanic peoples on this territory, which could not but have affected the local culture and traditions. And although Transcarpathia, as such, did not exist at that time, the local people had already settled here and were slowly building their lives. It is not known for certain what attracted them here: the warm climate, the rich natural resources, or the fact that the mountains could protect them from attacks of enemies. However, it is known that it is here where a unique site is located – the Korolevo settlement, the oldest of the known human settlements in the territory of Central and Eastern Europe.

It was discovered in 1974 by scholars headed by historian V. Gladilin. And it became a sensation, as it should still be. It was named Korolevo because it is located near the village of Korolevo (Vynogradiv district). The researches continued up until the early 90’s and, according to Vladislav Gladilin, during that time they found there: "16 cultural-chronological complexes – the remnants of ancient settlements that were successively replacing each other… The oldest, lowest, cultural horizon dates back to about 1 million years ago. The last Paleolithic settlement existed here at the beginning of the Wurmian glaciation – about 50 thousand years ago." This information probably does not say much to an ordinary resident of Transcarpathia, however, it is obvious that as long as 1 million years ago there were already people who were living their simple lives here.

It is worth adding that during the excavations, 1500 sq. m. of the settlement was investigated, and its total area is 10 km. Several dozen thousands of instruments were found there: knives, spearheads… Also, a dozen complexes from different periods and cultures were discovered there.

Unfortunately, today, the territory of the site borders on an active quarry, and in fact, it has already become a quarry and it is almost impossible to explore or even to see it.  

To be continued…