Archaeological research in the Zhytomyr region in 1945–1949

The purpose of this study is to highlight the course of archaeological research in the Zhytomyr region from 1945 to 1949 and to determine its contribution to the accumulation of information about the historical development of these territories from the Eneolithic to the Old Rus period. The research methodology is based on the principles of scientific rigor, historicism, systematization, and employs methods of both empirical and theoretical research. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that this article is the first to systematize information about archaeological research conducted in the Zhytomyr region in the second half of the 1940s. Conclusions. In the summer of 1945, archaeological research in Zhytomyrshchyna resumed. The period from 1945 to 1949 saw the highest number of archaeological expeditions in the region throughout the second half of the 20th century. The work was carried out according to specific directions defined back in the late 1930s. Priority was given to the search for and study of the Early Slavic and Old Rus antiquities. During the first five postwar years, the outskirts of the Raikovets and Horodok fortified settlements were surveyed and partially studied, and Early Slavic settlements were discovered. Artifacts later identified as belonging to the Luka-Raikovets archaeological culture proved significant for the history of East Slavic tribes. These finds served as a link connecting the Early Slavic (Korchak-Prague) and Old Rus antiquities, demonstrating their continuity and indigenous origins. In the study of the Old Rus settlements, attention was paid to urban planning and the placement of industrial facilities. Distinct features of settlement structure were noted, with the Raikovets fortified settlement identified as the centre. This enabled conclusions to be drawn about the development of feudal relations, the economic situation, and the organization of crafts. Another priority direction was the discovery of Late Trypillian sites in the Polissia zone and the determination of their area of distribution. These were grouped into a distinct Horodok group, which included settlements and fortified sites with shared traits of material culture – such as housing construction, ceramic production, and more. Overall, in the second half of the 1940s, a foundation was laid for future fundamental research on archaeological sites in the Polissia region.