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The discovery of a hoard in 1912 in the neighbourhood
of Poltava near the village of Malaya Pereshchepina
was not in itself a rare event, but in its wealth and
diversity this hoard far exceeds all others. It is rightfully
regarded as one of the richest finds from the period of
the nomadic migrations.
Dated to the period between the ancient world and the
7th century AD, the hoard is thought to have belonged
to Kuvrat (or Kubrat), Khan of Great Bolgary. The
treasure is uncommonly rich, consisting of over 800
pieces, mainly of gold (total weight over 25 kg) and
silver (over 50 kg), including 16 gold and 19 silver
vessels, a gold rhyton and the remains of another
rhyton, the gold facing of a wooden jug, a staff with
gold facing, a well-preserved iron sword with an end in
the form of a ring and gold facing on the hilt and
scabbard, fragments of swords and daggers, gold and
silver parts of belts, gold jewellery - a torque, an
earring, 7 bracelets and 7 rings with inlays of precious
stones (amethysts, sapphires, tiger-eyes, garnets, rock
crystal and emeralds), a necklace of gold Byzantine
coins, plaques and coins which were for sewing onto
clothing, and square gold plaques for the facing of a
wooden funeral construction.
The Khazar khanate existed during the early medieval
period in the area between the Sea of Azov and the
Caspian Sea, and excavations of burial grounds and
settlements have produced many interesting finds.
Most important are the items from the Khazar fortress
of Sarkel (834-965) and the Slavic town of Belaya
Vezha (existed up to 1173), such as weapons (a flail
and arrow-heads), farming tools, domestic objects and
ornaments (silver plaques for clothing and belts,
ornamented articles of bone, pottery, bronze lamps and
glass beads). The imported articles are of no less
interest, including a bone comb from a Byzantine
workshop and a chess piece (a bishop) from India.
Other Khazar fortresses produced stone blocks with
drawings and signs.
The burial mounds of the Alans and Bolgars, vassals of
the Khazars, also produced rich materials - pottery,
farming and blacksmith's tools, and mirrors and
amulets found in female burials. There are also 12th
century domestic objects and stone steles from the
Polovtsy.
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Goblet
7th century
Full description
Hand-Washing Vessel: Pitcher and Ladle
7th century
Silver gilt
Full description
Sword in a Sheath with a Gold Facing
7th century
Full description
Pair of Bracelets and Torque with Insets
Mid-7th century
Full description
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