Archaeological research and the problem of protection of archaeological objects (on the example of Stone Age sites of Odesa region)

The paper investigates different aspects of the problem of localization of Stone Age sites in the vicinity of Chervonoznamenka village (Ivanovka district of Odessa region). The sites were discovered in 1960-s by V.I. Kraskovskyi. In total, V.I. Kraskovskyi opened six sites in this region (Katarzhyno, Tsybulivka, Tsybulivka І-ІV). According to V.I Kraskovskyi, the sites are located on small promontories of the right bank of the Malyi Kuialnyk River, about 2 km from the village Znamyanka. In this place, the river is blocked by a dam, as a result of which a rather large reservoir was formed. In 2007-2010, the author conducted research in this region. However, it turned out to be quite difficult to localize the locations of the sites discovered by V.I. Kraskovskyi. The problem was that in the 50 years since V.I. Kraskovskyi’s research, the area had become overgrown with trees and bushes. In addition, a railroad was laid here in the 60s. As a result, considerable excavation work was carried out. Thus, all the Stone Age sites that were discovered as a result of the 2007-2010 surveys were given new names (Katarzhyno 1-5). During these years, the author conducted excavations in a small area at the Katarzhyno 1 and Katarzhyno 2 sites. As a result of the research, flint products and fragments of pottery were found at the sites. This made it possible to date the sites to the Neolithic era. An additional survey of the region was conducted in 2020. At that time, it was found that trees and shrubs had grown even more. In this regard, it was not possible to establish GPS coordinates of the sites. Therefore, the locations of the campsites were recorded on Google maps. However, a mistake was made when registering these sites in the databases. And now, in all documents it is stated that these sites are located on the cape, which is formed as a result of the confluence of the Malyi and Serednii Kuialnyk rivers. And no one will correct documentation with errors that have been approved by many authorities. This leads to the loss of various, including unique, archaeological complexes for science and society. Key words: North-Western Black Sea region, Stone Age, settlement/site, protection of cultural heritage.