Kropotov V. Fibulaes of the South of Eastern Europe of the II-d century B.C. - III-d century A.D. (typology, periodization, distribution).

The Thesis deals with the problem of systematization of great massif of fibulaes originating from the South of Eastern Europe of the II-d century B.C. - III-d century A.D., which had been collected by well documented archaeological researches during 1960-1990-s years, and former excavations (in total more than 6000 things). Formal statistic and comparative typological methods have been used, that has allowed to characterize considerable material on the basis of external signs. Cartographic and comparative methods have helped to specify area of distribution of separate fibulae types and to define characteristic forms, which had been inherent to certain archaeological cultures. Correlation analysis has allowed to reveal regularities of joint finding of different fibulae types and their chronological groups. Using a retrospective method had made it possible to construct evolutional series of all fibulae forms. Historiographic survey of problem in question has been made. Information about functional role of metal fasteners-fibulaes in clothes of the ancient European population, their main design features, materials and modes of production are systematized. The new classification scheme for fibulaes found on the South of Eastern Europe of the II-d century B.C. - III-d century A.D. have been suggested. The whole of considered fibula massif has been divided into 17 groups, in which fibulae forms constitute some series and variants. Six chronological stage of using metal fibulaes on the South of Eastern Europe of the Sarmatian age have been identified. Some regions of fibula types compactness have been established. Fibulae manufacturing centers and their export markets have been found out. Main directions of ancient trade and economic communications have been elucidated. As result general view of historic development of the South of Eastern Europe in Sarmatian age has been compiled. Key words: fibulae, South of Eastern Europe, Sarmatian age, typology, periodization, distribution.