Kyiv hoards

Kyiv hoards (Київські скарби; Kyivski skarby). Treasures from the time of Kyivan Rus’ found in Kyiv at various times since the 19th century. Over 50 hoards have been discovered, 48 of which were concealed during the Mongol siege of Kyiv in 1240. The largest hoard was found in 1842 near the Church of the Tithes. Most of the hoards were found within the medieval inner city (ditynets), where the prince and boyars lived. The hoards consisted of Arab dirhems, silver hryvnia, and gold and silver bracelets, rings, necklaces, collars, earrings, and diadems. Some contained hundreds and even thousands of such articles. Most of these artifacts are preserved at the Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine in Kyiv.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 2 (1988).]