The Scythians are one of the most remarkable chapters in Ukraine’s history. They left behind unique artifacts — Scythian gold, weapons, horse gear, pottery, jewelry, and ritual items — that continue to amaze with their richness and craftsmanship. Their burial mounds are scattered across the country, and their legacy is preserved in museums open to anyone wishing to see the Scythian heritage with their own eyes.
We’ve put together a list of five museums where you can discover the true treasures of Scythian culture:
1. National Museum of the History of Ukraine, Kyiv
It is the main treasury of Ukraine’s archaeological heritage. The museum’s collection includes dozens of artifacts from Scythian burial mounds: gold ornaments, weapons, clothing elements, and pottery. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine regularly holds exhibitions that explore various aspects of Scythian life — from warfare to spiritual practices.
2. The Treasury of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, Kyiv
It is a dedicated exhibition space showcasing the most valuable archaeological finds, including Scythian gold. One of its most renowned artifacts — the golden pectoral from the Tolstaya Mohyla — is housed here. This intricate piece of jewelry, crafted by artisans over 2,000 years ago, is a striking example of ancient craftsmanship. The Treasury offers a visual testament to the richness and complexity of Scythian culture, captivating both experts and casual visitors alike.
3. Odesa Archaeological Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
One of the oldest archaeological museums in Eastern Europe, the Odesa Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of Scythian, Sarmatian, and ancient artifacts. Its exhibits include examples of weapons, jewelry, ceramics, and funerary objects. Particularly valuable are the finds from the Northern Black Sea region — an area where the Scythians actively interacted with Greek colonies.
4. State Historical and Cultural Reserve “Posullia”, Sumy Region
Photo: ZMIST UA
The reserve encompasses burial mounds, hillforts, and settlements from various archaeological cultures, with the Scythians holding a prominent place among them. Extensive excavations have been conducted here, and the artifacts are preserved in the reserve’s local museum. The largest burial mound of the Posullia group of Scythian necropolises is known as the "Starsha Mohyla" ("Elder Mound"), and the finds recovered from it confirm the distinctive and unique character of the Posullia group of burial mounds.
5. Mykolaiv Regional Museum of Local History
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The museum features a collection of artifacts uncovered during archaeological research in southern Ukraine. Among them are items from Scythian burial mounds: bronze weapons, arrowheads, jewelry, elements of horse harnesses, and stelae. These exhibits reflect the militaristic nature, mobility, and high level of craftsmanship of the Scythian tribes.
Scythian artifacts are not just ancient objects. They are part of Ukraine’s cultural identity, proof that our land was the center of civilizational processes long before the emergence of modern states.
Travel through museums, explore history, and you will discover a Ukraine that you won’t find in textbooks.
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