Klochko, D. Weaponry and warfare of the Cimmerian time. – Qualified research work (manuscript).
Dissertation to obtain the scientific degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Study 03 “Humanities”, Programme Subject Area 032 "History and archaeology”. – National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Kyiv, 2025.
The Cimmerian age (X-VII century BC) is a relatively small period of Ukrainian ancient history, which is mostly represented by the weaponry items. Since the last century a large amount of such finds (not only from Ukraine but from the nearby countries as well) was presented and analyzed in a number of articles, books etc. However, for the last two decades the subject is mostly present in small papers, dedicated to single finds or to a certain type or kind of Cimmerian time weaponry. The modern work, which would unite recent finds with previously presented, is absent from Ukrainian historiography.
The object of this study are the cultural and historical processes, which happened in North Pontic region; the subject – items of weaponry and the warfare which could utilize them.
In terms of chronology, the study covers the end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Early Iron Age ХІІІ-VII centuries BC. By coming out of established boundaries of Cimmerian time, the author has the opportunity to examine the prototypes and further variants in addition to the classical items of Cimmerian weaponry, thus providing suitable context. In terms of geography, the study covers modern Ukrainian territory and also nearby (Central-Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Kuban) and distant (Middle East, Central Asia) regions.
The study utilizes both archaeological and historical sources. The former include three categories: items presented in previous works on the subject; items from museum collections; accidental finds from the personal archive of V. I. Klochko – supervisor of this study. The later group are the images and written reports, which mention the Cimmerians.
Several methods are used, in respect to the sources of different spheres. As the archaeological data is mostly used, the main method is one of classification and typology: comparison of different items, their parameters, contexts etc. Based on such analysis the materials would be attributed either to previously known types (and if possible – variants) or to the new typology. All of the items (save for those of unknown origin) will be mapped, allowing us to see the spreading of different kinds and types of weaponry, their correlation between each other as well as connections between different – sometimes distant – territories. The analysis of historical sources. entails the cross-referencing different texts. Also both groups of sources. – archaeological and historical – will be subjected to deduction and induction methods. As for the previous scientific works, the method of working with historiography data will be used.
Most of the finds in this study are published for the first time. On its own, they extend the source base of the subject greatly. Added to the wide context of previous finds, they broaden the development lines of different types of weaponry and also – to review some previous views, concepts, hypotheses and theories. This would allow to deepen our knowledge of the Cimmerian age. In addition, this study could have a practical use for the specialists of ancient warfare – not only of Ukraine but also of neighboring countries.
Based on the main goal of the study, the following tasks were formed: the analysis of the problem’s historiography; the presentation of the archaeological finds of weaponry items – both previously known and unpublished; the analysis of the historical sources (visual and written) which are dedicated to the Cimmerians and their warfare. Each of the tasks has the corresponding chapter and sub-chapter.
Keywords: Cimmerians, North Pontic region, Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, ancient weaponry and warfare, Middle East, Asia Minor, Scythians, nomads.
