The dissertation is a complex investigation of Middle Dnieper region ceramic ware of the second half 13th - 15th centuries. The subject has been underexplored for a long period due to poor source accumulation and low interest of archaeologists. The most important studies were undertaken by M.P. Kuchera, S.O. Biliaeva, L.I. Vynohrodska, G.U. Ivakin. Accumulation of archaeological materials, especially since 1990s, opened a way to deeper investigations of ceramics. Research is based on morphological analysis and statistical methods (by V.F. Gening system), traditional visual and typological analysis, comparative and stratigraphy approaches of pottery studying. Those methods integration allowed introducing big collections of newly investigated pottery. Prevailing type of ceramics is represented with pots. Morphological analysis of pots has been carried out. Classification was based on: calculating their capacity (five groups correlating with functional usage of tableware, kitchenware and storage ware), proportions ('classical', 'ovoid', 'stumpy bulbaceous' types) and main types of rims (five major groups of profiles, including 16 minor groups). Ornamentation analysis led to distinguishing five types of it. General trend of pottery decorating during the mentioned period is represented with simple schemes (lineal, flexuous etc.) on different zones of pots. In one case, ornamentation included plastic modeling of rim - so called 'zashchypy'. Range of pottery types has been examined. Pots of different functions prevailed absolutely. Other types of ceramics are represented with small-numbered kitchenware (lids, makitras, frying pans, etc.), tableware (dishes, jars, goblets, etc.) storage ware (large pots), etc. Technological process is the most inaccessible part of pottery investigating because we can trace very little evidence of its steps. Firstly, the clay preparation differed for some groups of ceramics. There were three groups by technological characteristics: 'traditional' (clay mostly with additive of small-grained sand), 'specific' ('archaic' clay structure - rich in different additives, including sand, landwaste, chamotte, limestone fragments, mica flakes, etc.) and 'brownware' (thin clay with additive of small-grained sand). Secondly, vessels' forming has evolved from hand-modeling with the help of slow potter's wheel to modeling on the fast potter's wheel (fast wheel has been introduced to Middle Dnieper region in 15th cent.). Thirdly, surface treatment included ornamentation (mentioned above) and glazing. We assume that traditions of glazing have not been lost after Mongol invasion. They developed under Kievan Rus tradition influences till early 15th cent. In 15th cent. the ways of glazing changed, as well as the types of vessels covered with it. Lastly, the process of firing can be reconstructed only by analogies from neighboring regions. We assume that 'traditional' group of pottery was fired in two-chamber kilns, while 'specific' pottery might have been burned in small stoves or even in open-air fires. All the mentioned characteristics were used and summarized into chronological scheme which shows the pottery development. The scheme is based on rims typology which represents the chronological changes in the best way. Four periods have been defined: second half of 13th - first half of 14th cent., 14th - early 15th cent., late 14th - 15th cent, second half of 15th - early 16th cent. Chronological scheme represents prevailing during the mentioned. The most important changes included: 1) development under strong influence of Kievan Rus traditions; 2) micro-modeling traditions range increased; 3) increasing of rim types range, as well as many other characteristics based on new technological methods (fast potter's wheel); 4) further increasing of rims range, gradual disappearing of 'archaic' types of pots. Studying analogues shows demonstrates that Middle Dnieper region ceramics developed on the basis of exogenous factors (local tradition) and endogenous factors (influences from neighboring areas). Among the latest, influences from western and south-western territories prevail. Thus, ceramics of the second half of 13th - 15th centuries has been classified and summarized, the main trends of pottery development have been characterized. It led to a conclusion that pottery production developed continually from Kievan Rus traditions to Modern times Ukrainian pottery complex of 16th-18th centuries.
