2018: PhD Thesis, Scythian blade weaponry of 7th–4th centuries BC (South-western part of Eastern Europe) (in Russian with English summary) → Скифское клинковое вооружение VII—IV вв. до н.э. (юго-запад Восточной Европы) (original) (raw)

Topal Denis, “Scythian blade weaponry of 7th–4th centuries BC (South-western part of Eastern Europe)”. For the scientific degree: PhD in History, Kishinev, 2018. Structure of the paper: Introduction, four chapters, general conclusions and recommendations, bibliography, four appendixes including the catalogue of artefacts, figures and maps. Obtained results were published in 15 scientific articles. Keywords: Scythian culture, Carpathian-Danube region, Scythian weaponry, blade weaponry, akinakes. Field of research: 613.01 – Archaeology. The aim of the thesis: generalization and systematization of data on blade weaponry from the territory of the European area of Scythian culture. Objectives of the thesis: Generalization of historiographic observations, allocation of functional groups in the mass of Scythian akinakai, identification of chronologically significant features, allocation of types which have chronological importance and verification of typological constructions on the material of western part of the Scythian area. Methodology: Comparative analysis of the empirical distribution of variation series of features, mapping, comparative chronological analysis of closed complexes, cross-dating. Scientific novelty. The data on the blade weaponry of the western part of Scythian culture were summarized for the first time, and as a result, the local features are revealed. These typological constructions were verified and a new grouping on the territorial principle was proposed, the links between the groups were identified, their chronological positions were refined. Analysis of the distribution of complexes and stray finds has made it possible to identify the routes of penetration of weaponry and their carriers into the Carpathian-Danube region. Solved scientific problem. As a result of research, a scientific problem related to the evolution of Scythian blade weaponry on the South-East of Eastern Europe was solved. The main chronological changes in morphology and origins of Scythian akinakes were identified (North Caucasus, Dnieper forest-steppe, Transylvania). In addition, the dynamics of the moving of these centres was documented chronologically. The theoretical value of the paper is determined by an integrated approach to solving the issues of the chronology of Scythian armament and the problems of penetration of early nomads into South-Eastern Europe. The practical significance of the paper. The results of the research could be used: in compilations on ancient history and archeology of Eastern Europe, as well as on the history of armament of nomads in the Early Iron Age; in the preparation of textbooks and manuals; in the process of the development of special courses in historical disciplines; in the creation of museum expositions. Implementation of scientific results. The results of the research were presented by the author during the 10 International conferences, seminars and colloquia.