A Relic of the Kyivan Rus Era: 10th-Century Varangian Sword Found in Zhytomyr Region and Donated to National Museum
A rare Varangian sword dating back to the late 10th or early 11th century has been discovered near Radomyshl in the Zhytomyr region. The artifact, along with two ancient axes, was voluntarily handed over to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine by a local resident and his daughter.
The Discovery
The historical find was made by Viktor Moshchenko and his daughter, Nataliia. While exploring the area near Radomyshl, they stumbled upon an ancient blade and two battle axes. Recognizing the potential historical significance of the items, the family decided to contact experts rather than keeping the find or selling it on the black market.
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine expressed deep gratitude to the Moshchenko family for their civic responsibility. In recognition of their contribution to preserving Ukraine's cultural heritage, the museum presented them with a commemorative album of its best exhibits and organized a private tour of the galleries.
Historical Significance
Archaeologists and historians identify the weapon as a "Varangian" style sword, typical of the elite retinues (druzhina) of the Kyivan princes. The artifact dates to a turbulent period in the history of Kyivan Rus—the second half of the 10th century to the early 11th century.
During this era, the territory of the modern Zhytomyr region was inhabited by the Drevlians, an East Slavic tribe that often resisted the central authority of Kyiv. Radomyshl itself (historically known as Mychesk or Mykhorod) was one of the fortified Drevlian strongholds. Historians suggest that such a sword could have belonged to a high-ranking warrior involved in the military campaigns of Prince Ihor, Princess Olga, or Prince Sviatoslav the Brave as they sought to bring the Drevlian lands under Kyiv's control.
Condition and Features
Despite being buried for over a millennium, the sword retains several remarkable features:
The Chape: The bronze tip of the scabbard is decorated with silver inlay.
Ornamentation: The hilt and crossguard feature intricate designs and individual engravings, including images of crosses.
Materials: Traces of silver and copper plating remain on the hilt, indicating the weapon's high status.
Archaeologist Serhiy Didenko noted that the presence of the scabbard's chape suggests the sword likely originated from a burial site, possibly a plundered ancient mound (kurgan).
Preservation for Future Generations
The sword is currently undergoing professional restoration and conservation. Once the work is complete, this rare piece of military history will join the permanent collection of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in Kyiv.
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