The most challenging question regarding the defensive settlements of the Pontic forest -steppe is the reason behind their construction at all and size. The most frequent interpretations centre around two questions: were they to protect from external threats (i.e. the nomads) or were they the result of a carefully planned construction strategy related to the economic and social pressure from the Greek colonies in the Black Sea region? it is also possible that both explanations are true.The emergence of hillforts in the Early iron age in Ukraine is a cultural phenomenon that eludes comprehensive descriptions or interpretations. as a conglomerate of 'microcosms' of variable sizes and perhaps functions, fortified settlements share two planes: space and time.The hillforts were constructed in the borderland between the steppe and the forest, the region is defined in the physical geography of Ukraine as the forest--steppe. much more humid than the steppes, it is taken to be the most optimal * institute of archaeology, adam mickiewicz University,

In 1970 and 1972 four Scythian Age barrows near Velyka Bilozerka village, Zaporizhia Oblast, were excavared. Barrow 2/1970. Two graves were discovered. One of them was totally looted. Another one was the tomb of the «archer» dated to the first half of the 4th century BC. It is notable due to the full quiver set where bronze, bone, and wooden arrowheads were combined. Barrow 1/1972. All Scythian Age graves were looted. Despite this fact, the barrow is interesting due to the dog burial in the ditch. Supposedly this dog had the role of the guard or guide between the worlds. Barrow 2/1972. It is a very noteworthy barrow. In the central grave 3 which is dated to the third quarter of the 4th century BC the unusual set of the gold appliquйs has been discovered. They have the images from the Greek mythology (Dionysus?), scenes of torment with lions and deer and scenes of opposed sphinxes, with the image of horned man. The unique masterpiece is the pendant in the shape of the female head in the high headwear (the Greek goddess Hera). In addition, in this grave the details of the heavy-armored warrior equipment: spearhead, javelin, scale armor, and bridle have survived. Barrow 3/1972. This late 4th century BC kurhan is interesting due to the catacomb with two dromoses. In addition, the gold appliquйs with images of the mythological creature that were interpreted as Bellerophon and Pegasus have been discovered here. Unique masterpiece is the glass intaglio with image of two fighting cocks. The kurhans under analyses were erected on the old trail that was known as Old Chumak Trail (branch of the Muravskyi Trail). Barrows 2/1972 and 3/1972, where most significant grave goods were found, could be interpreted as the tombs of the local kin leaders. Expressive materials show the strong impact of the Classic culture on the barbarian world in the 4th century BC.

This article is devoted to horse bridle details. They are made from horn and belong to the Scythian time. Artefacts and associated materials are analysed in complex. The supposition of their local production is proposed.

The article focuses on the research results of Severynivka hillfort fortifications. In 2009 a rampart and a moat on a cliff on the south floor-level side. In 2012-2013 there was made a rampart and escarp sections in the north-eastern part of the fortification. Separate stages of its construction are distinguished; the possible reconstruction of the defensive structures is suggested.

The article deals with excavations in the central part of Severynivka hillfort. In the mentioned area there was found and studied a part of the large multi-layered complex, which is considered as the remains of probable public worship structure. In the complex filling there were revealed numerous finds of wares, including a number of complete tableware and miniature forms, tools, jewelry and weapons. Also there were traced the tracks of rites administering that is recorded by the physical layout of objects in the complex and a female jaw find.