Black Grave

The largest burial mound in Chernihiv, Ukraine, the Black Grave stands 11 meters tall and has a circumference of 125 meters.

It’s often compared to the barrows of Gnyozdovo near Smolensk as it is one of the largest remaining ancient burial mounds of the 10th century.

A major tourist attraction, the mound is one of a small number of structures (and most of them are churches) to be included in the Chernihiv State Historical and Architectural Reserve’s “Ancient Chernihiv.” According to legend, this mound is home to Black Prince, who founded the city and gave it its name.

During excavations that were undertaken in 1872 and 1873, two cremated bodies of Norse warriors were uncovered that experts suspect were buried in the late 10th century. The warriors, probably father and son, were found surrounded by slave, arms, decorations, and sacrificial animals. All of their goods can now be found on display at the Moscow Historical Museum.