Melgunov Kurgan

The Melgunov Kurgan, also known as Lyta Grave, is an ancient Scythian burial mound located near the village of Kopani in what is now Kropyvnytskyi Raion, Kirovohrad Oblast, Ukraine. Built in the 7th century BCE and modified in the 4th century BCE, this site is significant for its role as a royal Scythian funerary monument in the Northern Black Sea region. The kurgan, towering at approximately 10.5 meters, was constructed using burnt and slagged soil mixed with remains of melted metals, stones, and clay. The use of fire was integral to its funerary rites. Notable finds include golden jewelry, a gold-plated acinaces, a diadem, and various decorative items. These artifacts, some of which are preserved in museums, underscore the kurgan's historical and cultural importance.