Closing of the archaeological season

9.8.2021

On August 8, the Luhansk archaeological team returned from the Olvia expedition.

Students of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University returned from the archaeological expedition to the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve “Olvia” (Mykolaiv region). This is the fourth trip since the restoration of the Olvian tradition in 2018.
The archaeological season of 2021 will be remembered for its striking events, both in archaeological experience and in terms of leisure activities. This year, students were fortunate enough to take part in the excavations not only of their native T-4 under the strict guidance of Doctor of Historical Sciences, Head of the Olvian archaeological expedition of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Alla Buiskykh and a researcher of the Institute of Archeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Candidate of Historical Sciences Iryna Sheiko, but also on such excavations as Suburb-1 and Necropolis. As one of the numerous archaeological teams, Luhansk one took part in various types of work in different parts of the reserve, which made it possible to expand practical knowledge and skills in archeology, to learn from other archaeologists.

So, at one of the excavations, a documentary was filmed by one of the largest German TV channels, and during their work our students got into the lens of the cameras of German journalists.

At the same time, work did not stop at excavation T-4, where a cut-off was made this season, increasing the possibility of discovering an ancient theater. The search for it has already become a good tradition of our detachment. The students discovered priceless finds in the form of ceramics, coins, bronze and terracotta items, glass and beads. Some of the finds were really rare and unique.

The active work on the excavations continued with the active and vivid leisure of young archaeologists. As always, the traditional Olvian holidays were held by veterans with the participation of students who came for the first time. Vasyl Nadraga and Iryna Budylina became regular guests in the camp and at the excavations, who attended various events, shared their memories and delighted the detachment with pleasant surprises. Their presence and support became very important to the students.

This season did not go without the traditional Comanche initiation. The students who came for the first time had to go through the tests, which the tribe prepared for them in order to prove their right to become a part of it. In the role of a charismatic leader, as always, the tribe was met by the Olvia veteran Andrii Larionov, who this season also actively supported the detachment with his personal presence. On that night, the boys and girls who passed the test with dignity received their secret command names, which are allowed to be known only to the initiated.

This year, it was a great joy to be ordained as veterans of four more Olvians, for whom this trip was the third in their lives. Vasyl Nadraga was also present at the dedication evening, who said kind parting words to the guys and inspired the desire not to leave the Olvian ranks in order to become super-veterans. So, Yulia Shevtsova, Ihor Verkhovod, Anna Surmai and Roman Bordiug received books about Olvia, CDs with Olvian songs, ceramic medals of veterans and traditional veteran wreaths from freshmen.

The squad managed to hold such holidays as the Handing of Shovels, the Olvia Wedding (which this year was stylized as an ancient Greek one), the Bastille, the Olympics, the Hawaiian Party, Birthday Party and others. They all left vivid emotions and memories.

The most atmospheric holiday of the season was the evening of the Last Shovel and the Closing of the Season. On the last day of the excavation, young archaeologists in traditional Olvian shirts tossed up a handful of earth from their shovels, symbolizing the closing of their archaeological season. And in the evening they were waiting for joint songs around the fire with Vasyl Ivanovych, Iryna Mikhailivna, Alla Valerieina, performances from veterans and those who came for the first and second time, as well as tears of regret that these two weeks passed so quickly. And although the trip is over, the work will not stop there, throughout the year the Olvians plan to hold joint meetings and evenings of memories, inviting freshmen to take part in the expedition as well.

Students and members of the expedition are grateful for organizational and financial assistance to those who have been supporting the Olvian movement at the university for several years in a row. Among the constant sponsors, it is impossible not to mention the significant personal contribution of Vasyl Nadraga. The expedition is constantly supported by the leadership of the university, headed by Vitalii Kurylo, the Primary Trade Union Organization, director of the Institute of History, International Relations and Socio-Political Sciences Anton Bader. In addition, Mykyta Bolotskyi became one of the organizers and leaders of the expedition, the detachment thanks him endlessly for his constant help and support. A significant part of everyday issues was resolved only thanks to his participation. The trip simply could not have happened without their overwhelming participation. In response, the students brought the invaluable experience, vivid memories and significant achievements in archaeological terms.

And finally, it should be noted that everyone in the detachment became real and true friends, who were united not only by fun joint leisure, but also hard work at the excavation site, critical situations where it was necessary to show personal heroism and support, all the difficulties of field life. Luhansk archaeological team is a close-knit strong family, where everyone knows that they are loved and expected. This season is over, but our thoughts are constantly returning to Olvia, because “the happy city” has become a home for everyone.

Expedition leader
Yevgenia Shevtsova