On October 6, the lecture «Archaeology of Fire: The Oldest Fires of our Region in the Light of Architectural and Archaeological Research» was held in the reading room of the Scientific and Technical Library, Lviv Polytechnic. In his speech, Vasyl Petryk, a scientist, researcher of architectural and archeological monuments, monument custodian, Associate Professor at the IARD, spoke about the history of fires in Galicia. The researcher paid special attention to the importance of preserving cultural monuments during the full-scale war in Ukraine.
«The idea of today’s lecture arose at a time when the Center to Rescue Cultural Heritage took up the protection of wooden churches. After all, since the beginning of the war, the problem of protecting cultural heritage objects has been dramatically worsened. We gathered together with volunteers to decide how to save churches from fire and organize our work. After that, they turned to the Department of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense. This is how our cooperation began. We constantly exchange thoughts and ideas. The idea of this lecture was born at the next meeting», said Vasyl Petryk.
For our ancestors, fire was not only a source of light, but also the cause of large-scale disasters. The two sides of this element have been constantly intertwining. So, how did the cult of fire appear?
«Fire gave us the opportunity to master the art of ceramics and metalwork. But this element actually burns everything. During the hostilities, houses, villages and entire cities were burnt. All this is reflected in material remains. Due to fires, it is possible to trace a certain scenario of events that once took place. The cult of fire began with the Trypillia culture. It was the people of Trypillia who burnt the clay on fire. For them, it became the main construction tool. It is also interesting how the researchers studied the history of Trypillia culture. Nowadays, we can say that the houses of Trypillians had adobe walls. Also, their settlements resembled urban architecture in their appearance. Until now, the Trypillia culture is an inspiring mystery for many archaeologists», added the researcher.
The history of Lviv is also connected with fire. The first written mention of the city of Lion dates back to 1256. As the chronicler says, «for our sins and because of the fault of the wretched woman» a fire broke out in Chełm. «It could be seen on the fields of Belz near Lviv».
Fires often changed the face of cities, destroying buildings. However, for modern researchers, the fire has become a historical marker. It is due to burnt clay, wood and coal, which cultural monuments leave behind, archaeologists determine their time period.
