The Russian invasion of Ukraine, ongoing for nearly two years, has not only caused visible destruction to buildings but has also taken a toll on the country's buried archaeological sites. Ukrainian and U.S. archaeologists are now conducting surveys to assess the damage inflicted on the nation's archaeological heritage, much of which remains underground and unexplored. This interview with Pavlo Shydlovskyi, an archaeologist at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and Ian Kuijt from the University of Notre Dame, sheds light on their efforts to document and prevent further destruction.
On-Site Observations: The team visited Oster, an 11th-century citadel and church in Chernihiv province, where modern military trenches intersected medieval layers. The immediate impact was evident, with trenches cutting through historical sites, including an adjacent graveyard, revealing human remains. The destruction extended beyond direct fighting to include damage caused by the construction of military installations like trenches and observation points.
Challenges in Tracking Damage: Unlike visible buildings, archaeological sites are often concealed and remain undocumented. The scale of destruction is challenging to ascertain, and international organizations such as UNESCO primarily focus on visible structures. The interview emphasizes the need to draw attention to the extensive damage and initiate comprehensive discussions on archaeological preservation.
Limitations in Remote Surveying: Remote survey tools, such as civilian drones and satellite data, are constrained due to wartime restrictions. Civilian drone usage is prohibited in most of Ukraine, and available satellite images lack the resolution needed to identify trenches and other damage accurately. The researchers stress the necessity of on-site surveys to comprehensively assess the situation.
Surveying Liberated Areas: The survey begins in liberated areas such as Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Kharkiv. However, ongoing conflict in the east and south poses challenges. Even after the war, the researchers anticipate long-term issues at archaeological sites, emphasizing the need for a fresh start in documenting and preserving cultural heritage.
Preservation Project Vision: The researchers propose a multi-step project involving documentation, triage, and systematic surveys to understand the impact on archaeological sites. While assessing above-ground architecture is relatively straightforward, the potential disturbance of archaeological materials beneath the surface is a significant concern. The urgency stems from the approaching winter, highlighting the need to initiate preservation efforts amid ongoing conflicts.
Recognizing the urgency and importance of preserving Ukraine's archaeological heritage, the interview concludes with a call for action. The researchers emphasize the need to respond to the destruction caused by the war and outline a long-term preservation plan, acknowledging the challenges of securing areas for surveying and the importance of a systematic, scientific understanding of the situation.
