The ancient burial mounds (kurgans) in Ukraine are at severe risk due to the war. However, according to new research from the University of Virginia, Russia’s invasion and occupation by pro-Russian forces have also opened up threats like potential looting. The report underscores a need to take steps to protect them as these communities are the last living repositories of this irreplaceable cultural inheritance.
The Forgotten Sentinels of Ukraine’s History
For millennia, these immense burial mounds known as kurgans stood like sentinels across the Ukrainian steppe — tumuli that survive today after so many others have been plundered. Homes to the long-gone peoples who once lived on this land, a few of these older structures date as far back as 3,000 B.C.
But, as Russia’s invasion into Ukraine rages on, some of these priceless archaeological sites are endangered again — this time threatened by the destruction and desecration wrought by Russian soldiers fighting in the land. Now, however, a new study from researchers at the University of Virginia’s CURIA Lab adds to growing indications that Russian military actions are taking place on some of these burial mounds, and may be violating international laws designed to protect cultural heritage during times of war.
The Damage Seen from Space
Led by Associate Professor Fiona Greenland, a team at the CURIA Lab has managed to establish a vivid timeline of devastation from commercial satellite imagery and other open-source data in Zaporizhzhia Oblast region in Ukraine, currently under occupation by Russia’s 429th Motor Rifle Regiment.
Their study concludes that the historic kurgans are largely destroyed when Russian trench systems, roads and fortifications were built on top of and among the mounds. The fact that the images appear to show Russian forces are potentially using historically important sites as military locations has disturbing implications, and could lead to accusations of breaking an international treaty called the Hague Convention, which demands that cultural property is protected during times of conflict.
“Our analysis indicates damage to these sites from military actions, but also potential theft or vandalism which is most likely underestimated,” Greenland said. The report underscores the need for novel research approaches — for instance, using satellite images and open-source information — that can reveal cultural atrocities in conflict-prone regions where standard fieldwork is too perilous.
Conclusion
This ground-breaking report is an appalling testament to the incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of Ukraine, which illustrate the acute need for urgent protection from war at these unparalleled sites. The researchers hope that by highlighting the damage to the kurgans, they can help motivate a concerted response from the international community to support and safeguard these ancient cultural landmarks, ensuring that Ukraine does not lose its rich cultural heritage as a result of conflict.
