A block of Medieval Kyiv in Poshtova Square

The digging in Poshtova Square is bringing new findings to Kyiv archeologists. At the beginning of summer they found here the remains of wooden constructions of 11th-12th centuries, and several weeks ago – parts of defense constructions of the 17th century. According to the director of the Center of Archeology of Kyiv Mykhailo Sahaidak, this is only the beginning. The scientists have managed to explore as deep as 8 and even 12 meters. Already now the archeologists have found not only the walls, but small objects too, for example, Polish and Lithuanian Medieval coins.

“The archeologists discovered first findings on this territory in the 1970s, during the construction of the Poshtova Square Subway Station,” says Mykhailo Sahaidak. “That was the time when the research of the Dnipro flood plain terrace began. At the moment we have approached to the original bank line of the Dnipro. We are looking for the remains of the river port which operated on the historically important route ‘from Variags to Greeks,’ and also exploring the former landscape of this area. We are trying to view the findings not only in a narrow archeological scope, but want to find a broad retrospective: from emergence of the settlements till the day when it was decided to reconstruct the square again. Back at the beginning of the digging we found hydrotechnical structures, and part of a pavement. This junction showed to us that well-known Khreshchatyk Gates were located namely in the place we are standing now. They are depicted in the Kyiv maps of 1795. At the moment you can see the wooden framework here. Not all of them have been preserved because of the construction, but the parts that have been preserved allow us to make conclusions about their purpose.”

At the moment archeologists are working according to the contract with the construction company. The digging is held in the places where the construction is underway, but in the near future the scholars are planning to “get deeper” and continue to work on the part of the square which is open now. It will probably take several years to study the findings, according to the Head of Culture Department of Kyiv City State Administration Diana Popova.

“The works have partially been held, and the scholars have outlined the development of the events,” Popova says, “But before the digging is completed, it is impossible to predict the result. The found remains are made of wood, they need careful treatment. You cannot unearth them, conservation is needed in order to explore them. At the moment we have agreed with the investor of the construction that a museum may be created here someday. But this will be a new stage of our work. At first we need to find out what items are here and define the way they will be displayed. Perhaps it will be done in open premises, or maybe they will need other conditions, temperature regime and humidity.”

At the moment the findings in Poshtova Square have been given the status of newly found item of cultural heritage. The program on conservation and making a museum out of the area as a riverside city block of Medieval Kyiv is being worked out.