Thinking Of The Independence Day
Recently, Ukraine celebrated the 24th year of its Independence. However, this date doesn’t refer to the real date of birth of the Ukrainian state. In order to understand how ancient and amazing Ukrainian land is, WeLoveUa team presents a long list of things that were found or still exist in Ukraine.
The trees are something that always connected humans with nature. For 1350 years, Ukrainians have been tied to nature with the ancient oak, which grows in Rivne Region. A tree can be found in between Glynne and Berezne. Its diameter amounts to 8.5 meters, and it is 20 meters high. Also, scientists say that the oak has been growing during the reign of Count Igor of Kyivan Rus, and today it is listed in the Book of Records of Ukraine as the oldest tree on Ukrainian lands.
Egyptian pyramids are the ancient world phenomenon which still can’t be logically explained by the scientists. And though Egypt is the country famous for its pyramids, the oldest pyramid in the world was found on the territory of Crimean steppes. Scientists could not even define its approximate age, but it is supposed that it was built in the time of dinosaurs. The length of pyramids’ platform amounts to 72 meters, but the most interesting part is that a mummy of some unknown creature was hidden in this ancient building.
Despite the fact that Kyiv is called the Mother Of Russian Cities, the oldest town in Ukraine is Kilia, situated in Odessa Region. The existence of this town was officially attributed to 2700, but scientists believe that Kiliia is much older. The date of foundation of the city is almost identical with the appearing of Rome. During the reign of Count Sviatoslav, Kiliia almost became the capital of Kyivan Rus. According to legend, the name for the city was given by Alexander Macedonian in honor to his ancestor, powerful warrior Achilles.
According to the other versions, the city was named in honor of the founder of Kyiv, Kyi, who is also considered the founder of this city.
Another interesting fact is that the oldest map in the world was found in Ukraine, too. The map was found carved on the bone of an elephant in the village of Mezhyrichichia in Rivne Region. Scientists believe that it is about 15 thousand years old. The most ancient settlement of Homo sapiens was also found on this site.
National University “Ostroh Academy”, which was founded in 1576 by Gerasym Smotrytskyi, is considered the oldest institution of higher education in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Among the famous students of this ancient institution, there were Petro Konashevych-Sagaidachnyi, Iov Boretskyi, Demian Nalyvaiko, and other prominent cultural, religious, and political figures. Interestingly, nowadays the university trains specialists in different areas.