Archaeological culture is a collection of artifacts that relate to one particular locality and era. It gets its name based on the distinguishing features of the ornament used on a particular territory. The term "culture" in archeology is somewhat different from the generally accepted definition. It can be used only if the findings of scientists give an idea of what kind of life people lived several millennia ago.
Archaeological cultures of Russia include several stages of development. Each of them passes from one to another. Given that the territory of the country is quite large, at the same time tribes belonging to different cultures could live on it, leading far from the same way of life.
Middle Stone Culture
Such a thing as the archaeological culture of the Mesolithic, in fact, is absent. At this time, the tribes were not yet divided among themselves. People tried to survive, and it made no difference how they did it. Someone gradually began to practice farming, someone continued to hunt, and someone tamed animals, set the pace for modern cattle breeding. However, this period of time cannot be completely reclined, since it was he who laid the foundation for the formation of many civilizations.
At this stage, the first types of archaeological cultures appeared. Scientists and archaeologists do not believe that they need to be separated so early. But the rudiments were laid. Each tribe departed from its former relatives, separated according to various characteristics, whether it was a way of life, the ethnic side of the issue, or, for example, methods of burial of deceased ancestors. But the stage under consideration should in no case be underestimated, because its study will help to answer questions related to the emergence of subsequent cultures.
Tripoli civilization
Tripoli archaeological culture dates from the Eneolithic (5-2 millennia BC). It got its name from the area where the first monuments were discovered. This happened in the village of Tripoli.
It is noteworthy that around the 18th century, excavations were carried out on the territory of Romania, during which the Cucuteni culture was discovered. It also got its name thanks to the village, next to which artifacts related to it were found. Initially, it was believed that these two cultures differ from each other. This was so until the scientists compared the found things and monuments. It turned out that the Kukutenians and Trypillians are the same people.
The discovered artifacts allowed scientists to conclude that the archaeological culture in question was the largest in Russia and Europe, its population in its prime exceeded 15 thousand people.
As for the life of this civilization, it passed the same way as in other places during the Stone Age. Toward the end of the period, people began to develop clay, now it was used not only for domestic purposes, but also for decorative purposes. Figurines and other pottery products were made from it.
Dolmens
Dolmen archaeological culture did not particularly affect the development of tribes located on the territory of modern Russia. It originated in India around the 10th millennium BC. e., but the peoples began their journeys to the west much later. It happened in the 3rd millennium BC. e., dolmens then divided into two parts. The first went towards the Caucasus, the second - to Africa, mainly to Egypt. On the territory of Russia at that time another civilization reigned, so the tribes could only supplement the cultural heritage. As for development in Egypt, it was here that they were able to fully open up.
This archaeological culture got its name from the Breton language, and in translation means "stone table". Despite the fact that its influence on Slavic territory was not high, the largest accumulation of monuments is located near the Black Sea coast and in the Krasnodar Territory. It is likely that other monuments simply did not survive to the present.
The dolmens discovered an abundance of stone and bronze products, these materials were used not only for the production of tools and hunting, but also jewelry. Many of them were found directly in the graves. By the way, they were also called dolmens, like the tribes themselves. These burial sites were similar to the Egyptian pyramids. Most researchers assume that some dolmens were erected for religious or cultural purposes, rather than funeral ones. This is due to the fact that the buildings themselves often had a greater age than the remains found in them. Thus, it is likely that it was dolmen civilization that laid the foundation for the pyramids, which have survived and delight many to this day.
Catacomb culture
Catacomb archaeological culture came to Slavic territory from the east, it was first discovered in the 19th century. Its appearance and flowering date from the early Bronze Age. Some sources claim that the appearance of the catacomb tribes is generally oriented to the copper age. In a word, it has not yet been possible to indicate the exact date of the emergence of culture.
The tribes did not advance beyond the European border, therefore their influence on the development of neighboring civilizations is only superficial. This archaeological culture got its name due to the method of burials, which had a huge number of differences. For example, if we compare the catacomb and pit tribes, then for the latter it was enough to dig a small hole for the funeral. The depth of the first was buried at the level of 3-5 meters. Moreover, these mounds often had several branches, they went deep or just to the sides. It is believed that in these catacombs were buried either people from the same family, or the same in rank or status.
The household appliances of the catacomb tribes were also quite different. Firstly, they almost did not have a flat bottom. However, this can be explained by the fact that the tribes did not yet understand the full convenience of such production, or they did not have such an opportunity. Secondly, all dishes had squat forms. Even if you pick up a jug, its height is very small. A primitive ornament was present. As with all the tribes of that time, it was carried out using cord prints. Decorated only the upper part of the product.
The guns were made mainly of flint. This material was used in the manufacture of arrowheads, knives, daggers and so on. Some skilled craftsmen in the tribes used wood to make dishes. Bronze was used only for the production of jewelry.
Russian culture in the Bronze Age
Unfortunately, the archaeological culture of the Bronze Age in Russia was not able to reach its highest peak, however, this large-scale period cannot be ignored in the overall development. It dates from the 4th-3rd millennia BC. e. The Russians of that time were engaged in agriculture. Forest cultivation predominated to a greater extent, but gradually people began to develop the cultivation of less fertile lands.
There is a slight leap in the construction of houses. If earlier settlements built housing in the valleys only, now they are moving to the hills. Also begins the primitive strengthening of houses.
The early Bronze Age archaeological culture is distinguished by Maykop settlements. The later is divided into several different complexes. The most extensive in the occupied territories are the Srubnaya and Andronovo cultures.
Maykop culture
Maykop archaeological culture dates from the early Bronze Age, it existed in the 3rd millennium BC. e. in the North Caucasus. From the found monuments and artifacts, we can conclude that the population was engaged in cattle breeding and agriculture. Culture originated in the northwest and in the center of the Caucasus. A distinctive feature of the tribes is archaic in the production of tools and household items. However, despite the outdated appearance of these products, civilization gradually developed. In addition, it was in no way inferior to the rest of the territories with more modern tools for that time.
Also, thanks to the findings of archaeologists, we can conclude that the Maikop archaeological culture during its heyday did not limit its territorial affiliation only to the North Caucasus. There are traces of it in Chechnya, on the Taman Peninsula, up to Dagestan and Georgia. By the way, two different cultures (Kuro-Arak and Maykop) are found on the borders with these areas, their interweaving is observed. Before the cross-border finds, scientists believed that the stages in question occurred at different times. And while there is no rational explanation regarding the mixing of cultures.
Logging culture
Felling archaeological culture dates back to 2-1-millennia BC. e. The territory of the tribes in question was quite wide, it spread from the Dnieper to the Urals, from the Kama region to the shores of the Black and Caspian seas. It got its name due to the abundance of log structures. Funeral rites and burial grounds, over which log cabins were usually erected, did not go unnoticed.
Tribal settlements were located directly near rivers, usually on cape terraces. Often they were strengthened with moats and ramparts. The buildings themselves were not strengthened, but with good external protection this did not need to be done. As indicated, all the buildings were made of wood, sometimes the construction was supplemented with clay mixtures.
Felling archaeological culture stood out, like many others, by the methods of burial. Unlike its predecessors, the tribes escorted the dead individually, mass graves are extremely rare. Burials were carried out in groups, in one place, 10-15 embankments. There is a characteristic feature of the location of the dead - on the side, head to the north side. Some burials include cremated deceased as well as dissected. It could be either tribal leaders or criminals.
During logging, thick flat-bottomed dishes were used. At first, they tried to decorate it with ornaments. Later, ordinary pots or vessels were made. If there was an ornament, then it was jagged or smooth. A common feature in any decoration of dishes - the predominance of geometric shapes. Rarely encountered incomprehensible signs that most researchers attribute to primitive writing.
Initially, all the tools were made of flint and bronze, but at the later stage, iron was added. Economic activity was cattle breeding, but agriculture was more common.
Andronovo culture
The Andronovo archaeological culture got its name thanks to the place where the first finds relating to it were discovered. This period dates back to the 2nd-1st millennia BC. e. Tribes lived around the modern village of Andronovo (Krasnoyarsk Territory).
Cattle breeding is considered a distinctive feature of culture. People raised white-legged sheep, hardy horses and heavy bulls. Thanks to these animals, they were able to develop rapidly. Some scholars suggest that the Andronovites went to the territory of India and laid on it the rudiments of their own civilization.
Initially, the Andronovites lived in the Trans-Urals, then they moved to Siberia, from where some of them continued their journey towards Kazakhstan. Until now, despite the abundance of various finds and artifacts, scientists can not determine why the tribes decided on such a massive migration.
If we compare all the archaeological cultures of Russia living in the Bronze Age, then Andronovites became the most militant. They created chariots and could strike at units or even full-fledged settlements faster than anyone else. This is probably what explains migration, because in pursuit of a better life, they tried to discover more comfortable lands. And if necessary - and conquer them.
Pit culture
At the end of the Bronze Age, the pit archaeological culture comes into force. The tribes in question come to the territory of Russia from the east, and their distinctive feature is early cattle breeding. Many peoples began to develop from agriculture, but these immediately went to the breeding of animals. The culture got its name because of the burial pits. They were simple and primitive, but this is what distinguished them.
At the moment, the pit archaeological culture is the most studied. Mounds were located on the tops of the plateau, they tried to remove them as far as possible from the rivers. It is likely that once the settlement was flooded during the flood, so people have become more accurate. Rarely found burials directly near the rivers. All graves were located along the course, in small groups (about 5 dead). The distance from one burial to another could be completely different, from 50 to 500 meters.
Pit tribes made household appliances from clay. As in the past era, these were flat-bottomed vessels of various sizes. Enormous amphorae were found in which, presumably, cereals and liquids were stored, as well as small pots. The ornament on the dishes was applied using strong cords, their prints made up the whole decor.
Arrowheads, axes, and other tools were made from flint. It should be noted that the pits did not dig manually by man, primitive drilling installations were created, which were made heavier with stones if the ground was solid.
The tribes also used wood in production, from which they made rather complicated structures for that time. These were stretchers, sledges, boats and small carts.
During the study, all scientists noted the originality of the Yamnaya culture, the tribes were responsible for the bodies of the dead, therefore they are attributed not only material, but also spiritual values. Moreover, these peoples spread their influence to neighboring settlements.
It is likely that the chariots were not originally made for aggressive purposes at all. Since the Andronovites, like many other cultures, were pastoralists, such primitive machines were supposed to help them graze animals. Later, tribes discovered the productivity of chariots in the military sphere, which they immediately took advantage of.
