Editing History of Ukraine (section)

== Prehistory ==
=== Paleolithic and Mesolithic Age ===
{{See also|Ukrainian stone stelae}}

[[File:Fig. 9 mapa.jpg|thumb|left|Megalithic stelae in Europe]]
The discovery of 1.4-million-year-old stone tools in [[Korolevo]], located in western Ukraine, marks one of the earliest securely dated presences of hominins in [[Europe]]. These tools offer crucial insights into the behaviors and adaptive strategies of early members of the genus ''[[Homo]]'', likely ''[[Homo erectus]]'', as they expanded into the continent during the Lower [[Paleolithic]] period.<ref name=Garba2024>{{cite journal |last1=Garba |first1=R. |last2=Usyk |first2=V. |last3=Ylä-Mella |first3=L. |last4=Kameník |first4=J. |last5=Stübner |first5=K. |last6=Lachner |first6=J. |last7=Rugel |first7=G. |last8=Veselovský |first8=F. |last9=Gerasimenko |first9=N. |last10=Herries |first10=A. I. R. |last11=Kučera |first11=J. |last12=Knudsen |first12=M. F. |last13=Jansen |first13=J. D. |title=East-to-west human dispersal into Europe 1.4 million years ago |journal=Nature |date=28 March 2024 |volume=627 |issue=8005 |pages=805–810 |pmid=38448591 |doi=10.1038/s41586-024-07151-3 |bibcode=2024Natur.627..805G }}</ref> The [[Neanderthal]] presence in Ukraine is well-documented through archaeological findings, particularly at the Molodova sites, which are located in the modern-day [[Chernivtsi]] region in southwestern Ukraine. These sites, dating to the Middle [[Paleolithic]] period ({{circa|45000|43000&nbsp;BC}}), provide significant evidence of Neanderthal activity. Molodova is known for its rich cultural layers attributed to the Mousterian tradition, showcasing the use of fire, mammoth bone processing, and possible construction of primitive shelters.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://archaeology.about.com/od/mterms/g/molodova.htm |title=Molodova I and V (Ukraine) |access-date=4 December 2011 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005437/http://archaeology.about.com/od/mterms/g/molodova.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> These sites, located along the [[Dniester River]], are particularly notable for their evidence of advanced behavior. One remarkable feature is the discovery of a dwelling constructed from [[Pit-house#Mammoth bone dwellings|mammoth bones]], a testament to Neanderthal ingenuity and adaptation to harsh Ice Age environments. These structures highlight their ability to organize resources and create durable shelters.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8963177/Neanderthals-built-homes-with-mammoth-bones.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111221004746/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8963177/Neanderthals-built-homes-with-mammoth-bones.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 21 December 2011 | title = Neanderthals built homes with mammoth bones | work = Telegraph.co.uk | first = Richard | last = Gray | date = 18 December 2011 }}</ref><ref name=orig>{{cite journal | title = The Oldest Anatomically Modern Humans from Far Southeast Europe: Direct Dating, Culture and Behavior | first1 = Sandrine | last1= Prat | first2= Stéphane C. | last2= Péan | first3= Laurent | last3= Crépin | first4 =Dorothée G. |last4= Drucker | first5 =Simon J. | last5= Puaud | first6 =Hélène | last6=Valladas | first7= Martina |last7 =Lázničková-Galetová | first8 =Johannes | last8 =van der Plicht | first9= Alexander | last9= Yanevich | journal = PLOS ONE | display-authors = 8|date = 17 June 2011 | volume = 6 | issue = 6 | pages = e20834 | publisher = plosone | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0020834 | pmid = 21698105 | pmc = 3117838 | bibcode = 2011PLoSO...620834P | doi-access = free }}</ref>

The [[Crimean Mountains]] hold significant evidence of early modern humans (''[[Homo sapiens]]'') during the Upper Paleolithic period. The Buran-Kaya cave sites have yielded artifacts, such as tools and ornaments, along with skeletal remains, dating to approximately 32,000 BC. These [[Gravettian]] settlements reflect a sophisticated hunter-gatherer culture, known for their blade-based lithic technologies and artistic expression. The region likely served as a vital hub for human activity, offering both shelter and access to diverse ecological resources.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13846262 | title = Early human fossils unearthed in Ukraine | first = Jennifer | last = Carpenter |date = 20 June 2011 | publisher = BBC | access-date = 21 June 2011}}</ref> The archaeological record in [[Ukraine]] highlights the area's importance as a crossroads for early human populations migrating through Europe. From the earliest stone tools to evidence of complex social structures and artistic traditions, Ukraine offers a valuable lens into the evolution and adaptation of early humans over hundreds of thousands of years.

=== Neolithic and Bronze Age ===
{{Main|Cucuteni–Trypillia culture|Sredny Stog culture|Yamna culture|Catacomb culture}}

[[File:Maidanetske 3D model.jpg|thumb|[[Maidanetske]], Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, 3800 BC]]
The [[Cucuteni–Trypillia culture]] ({{circa|5050|2950&nbsp;BC}}), centered in modern-day [[Romania]], [[Moldova]], and [[Ukraine]], represents one of the most advanced [[Neolithic]] civilizations in Europe. These people were known for their impressive settlements, some of which were among the largest in the world at the time, with populations reaching up to 10,000 inhabitants. They built concentric layouts of houses, often using [[clay]] and [[wood]], demonstrating advanced planning. They are renowned for their intricate painted [[ceramics]], featuring [[geometric]] and symbolic designs in red, black, and white. Their economy was primarily agrarian, complemented by [[animal husbandry]] and small-scale trade. Archaeological findings suggest a focus on fertility cults, as evidenced by numerous figurines and symbolic artifacts. The Cucuteni–Trypillia culture began to decline around 3000 BC, possibly due to environmental changes, resource depletion, or pressures from neighboring steppe cultures.<ref name=neolithic>{{cite web|url=http://www.trypillia.com/info/index.shtml|title=Trypillian Civilization 5,508 – 2,750 BC|access-date=16 December 2007|work=The Trypillia-USA-Project|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212222638/http://www.trypillia.com/info/index.shtml|archive-date=12 December 2007}}</ref>

The [[Sredny Stog culture]] ({{circa|4500|3500&nbsp;BC}}) emerged to the east of the Cucuteni–Trypillian zone, on the [[Pontic–Caspian steppe]]. It marked a transitional phase between the Neolithic and the emergence of the early [[Bronze Age]] steppe cultures. This culture is among the earliest to show evidence of [[horse domestication]], which became a defining feature of steppe societies. Early indications of [[Tumulus|mound burial]] (kurgans) began to appear, reflecting evolving social hierarchies and ritual practices. The Sredny Stog culture played a significant role in the genesis of the later [[Yamna culture]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Telegin |first=Dmytro Yakovych |title=Serednʹo-stogivsʹka kulʹtura epokhy midi |publisher=Naukova Dumka |year=1973 |location=Kyiv, Ukraine |language=Ukrainian}}</ref>

[[File:Yamna-en.svg|thumb|left|Extent of the [[Chalcolithic]] [[Yamna culture|Yamna or "pit grave" culture]], 3rd millennium BC]]
The [[Yamna culture]] ({{circa|3300|2600&nbsp;BC}}), also known as the Pit Grave culture, was a dominant force in the early Bronze Age across the Pontic–Caspian steppe. This culture is often linked with the spread of [[Indo-European languages]] and reflects a shift toward a more mobile, pastoralist lifestyle. The Yamna culture is characterized by its kurgans, often accompanied by [[grave goods]] such as [[weapons]], [[Bronze and brass ornamental work|ornaments]], and [[animal sacrifices]]. The economy relied heavily on livestock, including [[sheep]], [[cattle]], and [[horses]], which supported a [[Nomad|semi-nomadic]] lifestyle. They utilized copper and bronze tools and [[weapons]], demonstrating early metallurgical skills. Many scholars associate the Yamna culture with [[Proto-Indo-European language|Proto-Indo-European speakers]], as their migrations and cultural diffusion likely influenced vast areas of [[Europe]] and [[Asia]].<ref>Reich, David, (24 April 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLNRGGWpOmA&t "The Genetic Origin of the Indo-Europeans"], in: The Transfomation of Europe in the Third Millennium BC, International Conference, HUN-REN RCH Institute of Archaeology, Budapest.</ref>

Following the Yamna culture, the [[Catacomb culture]] ({{circa|2500|1950&nbsp;BC}}) emerged, encompassing much of the same geographic area. It is distinguished by its unique burial practices, where bodies were interred in specially carved niches within grave pits. They further advanced bronze metallurgy, producing a variety of tools, weapons, and ornaments. The Catacomb culture maintained many traditions of the Yamna culture while also interacting with neighboring groups to the west and south.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kroonen |first1=Guus |last2=Jakob |first2=Anthony |last3=Palmér |first3=Axel I. |last4=Sluis |first4=Paulus van |last5=Wigman |first5=Andrew |date=12 October 2022 |title=Indo-European cereal terminology suggests a Northwest Pontic homeland for the core Indo-European languages |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=17 |issue=10 |pages=e0275744 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0275744 |doi-access=free |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=9555676 |pmid=36223379|bibcode=2022PLoSO..1775744K }}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Archaeological finds in National Museum of the History of Ukraine 02.jpg|Cucuteni-Typillia ceramic vessel (National Museum of the History of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine)
File:Керносовский идол.png|Yamna stone stele, {{circa|2600}} BC
File:Carts Catacomb GIM.jpg|Catacomb culture wagon models
</gallery>