ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN VOLHYNIA (4th–11th Centuries)
Ескіз недоступний
Дата
2026
Автори
Назва журналу
Номер ISSN
Назва тому
Видавець
SWorldJournal
Анотація
The article presents a comprehensive study of archaeological monuments reflecting
the spread of early Christianity in Volhynia during the 4th–11th centuries. The study addresses the
need to reconstruct the regional characteristics of Christianization in the context of active
transformation of East Slavic identity, as well as the need for reliable methodological criteria for
attributing transitional-period monuments. Three main categories of sources are analysed: remains
of cult buildings, burial complexes, and artefacts decorated with Christian symbols. Particular
attention is devoted to problems of interpretation and attribution of archaeological materials, as well
as to the coexistence of pagan and Christian elements. The methodological framework combines
archaeological, comparative-historical, and cultural-anthropological approaches. Three
chronological stages of the penetration of Christian elements are identified: 4th–6th c. (sporadic
influences), 7th–9th c. (formation of preconditions), and 10th–11th c. (institutionalization). The key
role of Volhynia as a crossroads of Byzantine, Central European, and Kyivan Rus’ influences is
established. It is emphasized that the Christianization process was prolonged and uneven, and that
religious syncretism persisted long after the official baptism of Rus’
Опис
This study allows us to draw a number of general conclusions regarding the nature
and characteristics of the Christianization process in Volhynia based on archaeological
evidence.
First, the study of material remains convincingly demonstrates that the penetration
of Christian elements into the cultural space of Volhynia occurred long before the
official baptism of Rus’ in 988. The earliest fragmentary evidence dates to the 4th–6th
centuries and is associated with trade and cultural contacts with the late antique world
and the zone of Byzantine influence. This supports the view that Christianization was
an organic, gradual process rather than an abrupt event.
Second, analysis of the artifacts allows us to identify three chronologically
sequential stages: isolated influences (4th–6th centuries), the formation of
preconditions (7th–9th centuries), and institutionalization (10th–11th centuries). Each
of these stages is characterized by a specific set of archaeological markers reflecting
the deepening integration of the new religious paradigm into social and cultural life.