Russia's First Program for the Study of Ancient Archaeology

This article is devoted to the history of archaeological science in Russia.Turning to the history of archaeology, which is a complex, synthetic science, allows us to expand our understanding of the level of development of this discipline at the dawn of its formation, to realize the contribution to its pioneers of archaeological knowledge in Russia.This is the relevance of this work.The material for the study was the works of one of the first Russian archaeologists Ivan Alekseevich Stempkovsky (1788-1832), whose contribution to science has long remained invaluable.Although the scientist's works were published, they did not become the subject of special study.The analysis of his works from the point of view of the scientist's contribution to the development of Russian archaeology determines the novelty of this article.I.A. Stempkovsky came from Polish gentry, served in military service as an aide-de-camp to the founder of Odessa Duke Richelieu, and after retirement -the mayor of Kerch.Contemporaries highly appreciate the business and personal qualities of I.A. Stempkovsky, note his nobility, loyalty to duty, exceptional diligence and modesty.These qualities were reflected in his writings, among which the most valuable is "Thoughts on the exploration of antiquities in the Novorossiysk Territory", published in the journal "Otechestvennye Zapiski" in 1827.It is programmatic in nature.In this work, I.A. Stempkovsky points out the need to clearly register each find, to stop collecting random things.The scientist points out the need to create a scientific society that will take care of the protection of antiquities in the Northern Black Sea region, conduct systematic excavations, publish and interpret the materials found, take down plans of Greek cities while their buildings are still visible.A century and a half before European thinkers, the idea of a scientific community capable of critically evaluating, preserving and transmitting archaeological knowledge was expressed.The idea of an archaeological passport, which has become mandatory nowadays, is fundamentally new for that time.I.A. Stempkovsky appears in his works not only as an erudite and talented researcher, but as a worthy citizen, a true patriot of Russia, rebelling against the export of archaeological sites abroad, which leads to their loss to science.The personality and work of one of the pioneers of Russian science is an inspiring example for our contemporaries.