Editing History of Ukraine (section)

=== 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>