Published on: 2026-06-01
Source: Saint Petersburg State Architectural and Civil Engineering University –
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Participants of the student archaeological squad “Lyn” at a meeting in KGIOP
The tenth jubilee working season of the student archaeological squad “Lin” of the Saint Petersburg State Architectural and Civil Engineering Universityheld in the South Kuban geological expedition of the State Hermitage in the Krasnodar Territory.
With the active assistance of fighters in the 2025 field season, research continued on a unique Early Scythian monument, distinguished by its wealth and diversity of archaeological finds on the territory of Zakuban.
The work was carried out under the guidance of a candidate of historical sciences, a senior researcher, an expert on Scythian collections of the Department of Archaeology of Eastern Europe and Siberia of the State Hermitage.Tatiana Ryabkova.
“The Tarasov Balka monument was opened during the exploration of exchange barrows, where we managed to find some items made of bronze and iron, arrowheads, fishing rod fragments, and pieces of ceramics. It was necessary to examine the entire mound to identify signs and traces of interaction of the ancient Greeks with this region.”
We have been systematically studying the Tarasov Balka site since 2012. Using geomagnetic survey, areas of positive magnetic anomalies were identified at the site, which indicate the presence of clusters of certain objects underground. Initially, we assumed that this site is of a settlement type. However, during the research, we established that in this case we are dealing with a site that can be characterized as a ritual complex or sanctuary of the early Scythian period.
It represents the remains of sacrificial places around the “zolnik” in the center of Olm. The ritual actions included the construction of stone pavements, the lighting of fire on a clay sacrificial altar with rims or a portable brazier, the destruction of objects such as horse bridles and bits, clay vessels, and the sacrifice of animals. After the rituals were completed, the sacrificial sites were destroyed, bones and pebbles from embankments were gathered and piled up in a mound in the center of Olm,” she reported.
For 10 years, the student archaeological team of SPbGASU “Lin” has been participating in archaeological expeditions supported by the Committee for State Control, Use, and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of the Saint Petersburg Government (KGIOP).
Chairman of KGIOPAleksey Miraylov noted“I always tell my colleagues that the restoration of cultural heritage sites is not just work, but a mission. Interaction with history is a very interesting, diverse, and, most importantly, meaningful endeavor. You understand the foundations and reasons for your actions, realize that behind you is the future, because when we engage in the restoration of monuments, we pass on a piece of ourselves, including, to future generations. Gaining such meaningfulness is one of the reasons why we support the student archaeological team.”
For the kids, this is a very important experience of “field romance,” communication, interaction, and immersion in history. They learn to carefully work with monuments, touching the origins of cultural heritage. Perhaps, for some of you, this expedition has motivated you to continue self-development and self-improvement in the topics of archeology and history. When you have worked with a cultural heritage object, and probably especially with archaeological ones, you begin to relate to details and fragments quite differently, you become aware of their fragility.Such a person will never commit acts of vandalism and may tell their loved ones and friends why it is so important to preserve monuments of history.
Commander of the “Lynx” detachment Eduard Kasyanov and Alexey Mikhailov
Ex-commander of the detachmentDarya Obulova, who led the students on this trip, noted that “the squad is not only about what we invest in history and archaeology, but also about what we invest in building personality as such, learning to interact in a team, support, and mutual assistance.”
“We worked in the excavation, cleaned it,” Darya said. “Working on the trench became very interesting and unusual for us. We also carried out office work – carefully washing fragments, sorting them. The team included artists who meticulously ‘drew’ all the details, like a puzzle, assembling pieces of ceramics.
Among the unusual household aspects of this expedition was that we all gained a priceless and useful skill of cooking food over a campfire. We carried drinking water from a spring. Expedition member Alexander built us cozy cabins, which, of course, greatly eased everyday life.
Each trip was a truly unforgettable adventure – we tried to visit interesting places and attractions nearby. Of course, the trip to Dombay, which was a gift to the team from Tatyana Vladimirovna Ryabkova, was especially memorable for everyone.
I would like to express my gratitude to KGIOP for the fact that we have the opportunity to go on such expeditions and live our student life so vividly and interestingly. In our team, it used to be said: “During the season, we are building character.” That’s true, because here we are not only working, but also investing in ourselves and in each other.
Darya Obuslova talks about the squad’s season
The student archaeological team “Lin” is already preparing for the 2026 expedition.
Material prepared according to KGIOP information
The movement of student squads is actively developing at SPbGASU: currently, nine squads of various orientations operate at our university. More details can be foundhere.
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