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6,000-Year-Old Temple in Ukraine

Archaeologists unearth 6,000-Year-Old Temple in Ukraine

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A massive prehistoric settlement has been uncovered in the Ukraine consisting of a large temple, human-like figurines, and animal remains, which dates back to around 4,000 BCE. According to Live Science, the town once covered an enormous 238 hectares (588 acres) and would have contained more than 1,200 buildings and nearly 50 streets.

The ancient settlement, which researchers are calling a ‘mega-site’, was first detected by geophysical survey in 2009 near modern-day Nebelivka, but only now have excavations revealed some of its incredible structures and artifacts.

Location map of Nebelivka

Location map of Nebelivka, Kirovograd Domain, Ukraine. Credit: Antiquity

“The high-resolution plot shows the features of a typical mega-site plan structured around two concentric circuits of houses, with mostly empty space between the circuits, almost 50 internal radial streets, a scatter of features outside the outer circuit, enclosed within a boundary ditch, and an apparently 'empty' core area,” write the study authors in the research report published in the journal Antiquity. “…one such 'mega-structure' suggests the presence of public buildings for meetings or ceremonies, acting as focal points for several clusters of houses.”

The temple was made of wood and clay and measured about 60 by 20 metres (196 by  66 feet) in size. It had two levels and was surrounded by a galleried courtyard. The upper level was divided into five rooms, which were once decorated with red paint.  On top of a platform on this level, archaeologists found numerous burnt bones of lamb, which are possibly associated with sacrifice.

Clay platform found in the temple

Clay platform found in the temple. (Photo Credit: courtesy Nataliya Burdo and Mykhailo Videiko/Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv.)

The lower level of the temple was riddled with animal bones and pottery fragments, and contained the remains of eight clay platforms, which may have been used as altars. The structure and layout of the temple has been likened to other temples of the same era found in ancient Middle East cities, such as those in Anatolia and Mesopotamia.

Also within the temple, archaeologists unearthed small gold ornaments, most-likely used in the hair, bone ornaments, and unusual human-like figurines, which are depicted with beak-like noses and unevenly positioned eyes.

 Fragments of figurines found at the temple site

Fragments of figurines found at the temple site. (Photo Credit: courtesy Nataliya Burdo and Mykhailo Videiko/Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv.)

Fragments of figurines, some of which look similar to humans, were also found at the temple. Like findings at other Trypillian sites, some of the figurines have noses that look like beaks and eyes that are dissimilar, one being slightly larger than the other.

The age and structure of the ancient city, along with the distinctive figurines, link the site to the Trypillian culture (a modern-day name), which is believed to have extended over an area of around 35,000 square kilometers, incorporating parts of present-day Moldova, Romania and Ukraine, between 5400 and 2700 BCE.

The Trypillian culture established cities to accommodate up to 15,000 inhabitants, being some of the largest settlements in Neolithic European history.  The illustrations on decorative items and other artifacts retrieved confirm that the society was matriarchal and that the people living in these settlements farmed the land using ploughs, produced handicrafts and had a form of religious belief regarding mankind's origins and the afterlife.

Researchers have noted that there are indications that the inhabitants of these settlements would burn the entire village every 60 to 80 years and then build on top of the ruins. There is no explanation for this practice, but one location in Romania has as many as thirteen levels of foundations that were built upon. Like other Trypillian cities, the newly-discovered settlement also showed evidence of having being burnt down after it was abandoned.

Featured image: The temple measuring 60 by 20 meters (197 by 66 feet) and made of wood and clay. (Photo Credit: courtesy Nataliya Burdo and Mykhailo Videiko/Institute of Archaeology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv.)

By April Holloway

 

Comments

Pete Wagner's picture

Almost certainly another pre-Ice Age settlement, decimated by the event that caused it's sudden emergence, circa 115k BC, adding the zero back to Plato's Atlantis timeline.

Nobody gets paid to tell the truth.

Megpie1's picture

They also use Russia instead of Rus thinking it's the same thing.

Since you are so smart, please explain why you asked us a question and then did not have the IQ to put the correct answer ?????
Perhaps arrogance is the answer ?

It amazes me that educated people continue to use the reference of 'the Ukraine". When and what will it take to change this?????

angieblackmon's picture

the artifact fragments are interesting looking! i always love to hear about a new site! That means a new piece of the puzzle!!

love, light and blessings

AB

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aprilholloway's picture

April

April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan.

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