During the 2024 field season, archaeological research continued at the Mezhyrich site, one of the most significant Upper Paleolithic sites in Ukraine. The work aimed to further study residential structures, the cultural layer, and the economic activities of the ancient inhabitants of this area.
The expedition team included students, graduate students, and staff from the Department of Archaeology and Museology, employees of the Natural History Museum, as well as graduate students from the Institute of Archaeology.
The research was led by Pavlo Shydlovskyi, an associate professor at the Department of Archaeology of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
This season, the main focus was on studying the adjacent territory of the first Mezhyrich dwelling and further examining the structural features of Dwelling No. 4.
For students, the expedition provided an excellent opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Participants worked with archaeological tools, recorded findings on site plans, mastered the use of a theodolite, and gained experience in creating 3D models.
A pleasant highlight of the season was a visit from a colleague, Olena Mykolaivna Kukharska, the head of the Young Archaeologists’ Club, along with a group of students. A guided tour was conducted for the guests.
Excavations were carried out by gradually removing the cultural layer, with detailed recording of finds and their spatial distribution. The fieldwork involved overcoming challenges related to weather conditions and the complex stratigraphy of the site.
Among the most significant discoveries of the season were flint tools, fragments of bone artifacts, and remains of organic materials that could provide new insights into the diet and daily life of the settlement’s inhabitants.
Preliminary results confirm the importance of Mezhyrich as a settlement reflecting a high level of adaptation by Paleolithic communities to climatic conditions. Further research, including laboratory analysis of the finds, will help gain a deeper understanding of the way of life of ancient people in this region.
