Archaeological Practicum at Uzhhorod National University

From 1 to 21 July 2025, a group of first-year students from the Faculty of History at V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University undertook a field archaeological practicum as part of the archaeological expedition of Uzhhorod National University, in accordance with the cooperation agreement between the two institutions. The practicum was supervised on the Karazin University side by Associate Professor of the Department of Historiography, Source Studies, and Archaeology, PhD in History V.V.Skyrda, and on the Uzhhorod University side by Head of the Department of Archaeology, Ethnology, and Cultural Studies, PhD in History V.V.Moisyes.

The excavations were carried out on the grounds of the Tyvodar Lehotskyi Transcarpathian Regional Museum of Local Lore, within Uzhhorod Castle, with a focus on the Church of St. George. The church is generally dated to the 11th–13th centuries, although certain finds suggest the possibility of an earlier construction phase. Excavations were conducted according to rigorous scientific standards, enabling the collection of a substantial corpus of archaeological material. The team uncovered numerous ceramic artifacts of various types, including fragments of clay pots and remnants of clay pans, indicating the possible existence of organized ceramic production associated with the church. In addition to locally produced ceramics, fragments of foreign-made wares were discovered, reflecting the region’s active trade networks. Other notable finds included clay pipes with diverse ornamentation and partially preserved coloration, a mold for their production, an iron key, and numismatic artifacts dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, primarily silver and copper coins depicting Maria Theresa and other contemporary rulers.

The practicum proved highly valuable for the students, providing hands-on experience in field excavation techniques, initial artifact processing, and the maintenance of field documentation, while enabling them to complete all tasks outlined in the program. Students also participated in a series of excursions organized by V.V.Moisyes and V.V.Skyrda to the most significant architectural and archaeological monuments of Transcarpathia. Among these were visits to the Archaeological Museum of Uzhhorod University named after Professor Eduard Balaguri, Mukachevo Castle “Palanok,” the Zoological Museum of Uzhhorod University, and other sites. A particular highlight was the guided excursion to Nevitsky Castle, conducted by O.V.Dzembas.