Bibikov D. Vyshgorod and its districts in Х–ХІІІth centuries

The research is devoted to the comprehensive analysis of the development of ancient Vyshgorod and its periphery, based on the involvement of an extensive source base. Archaeological and written evidence indicates that Vyshgorod was founded in the first half of the Xth century. The popular version of the city’s establishment as a result of the natural development of the Slavic settlement didn't find confirmation. The territory of Old Rus Vyshgorod consisted of fortified citadel and district castle, as well as an open posad. Their total area was at least 31 hectares. In the XIth century the city was surrounded by an agricultural suburb, which has more than two dozen of monuments. Materials coming from the large craft centers specialized in pottery, metallurgy, metalworking can be regarded as standard. The conclusion made is that the the Vyshgorod masters belonged to the patrimonial artisans, who directly obeyed to the prince's court. Large-scale volumes of production, in the first place, were oriented on the needs of the population of Kyiv. Trade, warefare, home craft, crafts made a major step in their development. Data of the funeral rite and the findings of the objects of the cult allowe to trace the gradual change of ideological notions from paganism to Christianity.