Reconstruction of Slavic lifestyle through full-scale modeling

The article is dedicated to one of the most promising directions in archaeological research – experimental archaeology. It outlines the significance of experimentation in modern archaeology in Ukraine and the world, explores the historiography of the problem, and shares the experience of archaeologist colleagues in reconstructing certain aspects of the lives and everyday activities of past generations. Key aspects of experimental archaeology include the creation of replicas or reconstructions to test hypotheses and enhance understanding of ancient objects and technologies. Furthermore, it underlines the practical meaning of experimental archaeology, such as the creation of open-air museums, which provide immersive experiences and contribute to the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. The Northern Permanently Operating Archaeological Expedition of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is engaged in the scientific and scientific and protective direction of studying the suburbs of Kyiv. Research mainly concerns the ancient Rus period. The recreation of ancient Rus technologies through their full-scale modeling is not new for the employees of the expedition. Based on this, at the territory of the Khodosivka archaeological complex, models of Early Slavonic ovens were recreated as a source of knowledge about the everyday life of medieval society in Ukraine. The paper provides a detailed description of the construction of models of two heating devices, prototypes of which are dated mainly from the 12th to the first half of the 13th century. All stages of their creation are characterized: from studying general information about the ovens and planning the future reconstruction, to processing the collected data and implementing the experiment. Based on the modeling of these experiments, the functional capabilities of the reconstructed ovens are revealed. The significance of the conducted experiment lies in its ability to deepen our understanding of the daily life of the Kyivan Rus population. While previous research focused on technologies used in creating various economic and residential structures, this work demonstrates how reconstructed models aid in delving into the study of ancient domesticity. Since the chronicle tradition does not cover all aspects of ancient society’s life, and archaeological evidence alone does not provide a precise picture of the population’s spiritual and everyday life, this experiment allows for a more detailed exploration of these aspects. Key words: experiment, modeling, skansen, oven, heating device, Ancient Rus, Khodosivka.