Sergiy TARANENKO1 / Sergiy ROMANCHUK2
(1Centr of Kyiv Archaeology Institute of Archaeology of the National Ukrainian Academy of Science, Kyiv Ukraine / 2Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv Ukraine)

Abstract:
Dependence of the planning structure of Kyiv Podil in the end of 9 – the beginning of 10 century upon the ancient landscape was noted by experts. However, the real landscape of this period, i.e. local forms of meso-landscape, their shape and dynamics, are still unknown. Archaeological data are fragmentary because archaeological investigations in Podil mostly include the emergency excavations.
The issue could be solved with analysis of the object based upon interdisciplinary approach to reconstruction of the ancient cultural landscape during a period of changes in lithogenic base and hydrological structure. Since the territory of Podil belonged to Dnieper floodplain before the 10 century, it is important to analyze the processes of formation of the floodplain structure and complexes near the hill sloops. The next step includes the complex research of the landscape features in Podil and archaeological objects based upon cartography of the buried landscape and landscape profiles. Historical data should be included into reconstructions as well.
Profiles led to the correlation of the cultural landscapes with the areas of buried streams and rivers. The former were found along the elevation that was located perpendicular to the edge of plateau, from the Zhytnij market to Voloska street. Stratigraphy of excavations sites with the lowest elevations, Zhytnij market (1973), Red square (1971-1973), Heroiv Trypillia-Khoryva (1972) and Spaska 35 (2011), were used for “filling” the profile. Chronology is based upon archaeological data from Ancient Rus cultural layers from the excavations sites along the profile. Analysis of this data led to reconstruction of the formation of strand, the sequence and phases of growth of the elevation in this part of Podil, as well as the development of hydrological network.

Keywords: ancient landscape, archaeology, Kyiv Podil