Solokha, Scythian burial mound in Velyka Znamianka, Ukraine.
Solokha is a Scythian burial mound located on the left bank of the Dnieper River near Kamianka-Dniprovska, rising to a considerable height with a wide circular base. Excavations in the early 1900s uncovered a range of objects including gold ornaments, bronze weapons, and silver vessels, which are now housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.
This mound dates to the Scythian period and was systematically excavated by Russian archaeologist Nikolai Veselovsky between 1912 and 1913. The work revealed two royal burial chambers with their occupants and grave goods largely intact, providing invaluable insights into this ancient culture.
This mound served as a burial place for a Scythian ruler accompanied by his attendant and horses, reflecting the importance of hierarchy and ritual in death. The crafted objects discovered here, especially a gold comb decorated with warriors in combat, reveal the skilled metalwork valued by this people.
The mound is situated in a scenic river valley, allowing visitors to combine a visit with walks along the area. To see the original artifacts, visitors need to travel to the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, where the collection is permanently displayed.
One remarkable find was a gold comb intricately carved with a scene showing three warriors engaged in combat, considered one of the finest pieces in the collection. This delicate work demonstrates the technical skill of ancient craftspeople.
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