Золоті ворота. Як вони виглядали насправді? | Інша версія реконструкції головних воріт Києва.

Summary

The video explores the history and reconstruction of Kyiv's Golden Gate, an iconic medieval structure. Architect Dmytro Horbatyuk presents an alternative reconstruction based on the work of archaeologist Serhiy Vysotskyi, challenging the modern pavilion design that covers the ruins. The video delves into architectural and historical aspects of the gate, including debates on its construction date (1037 or 1022), its symbolic gate church, and differences in design features such as the structure's integration with the rampart, the placement of an icon, and the probable use of a pitched roof.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Golden Gate was the monumental entrance to medieval Kyiv, built in the 11th century as part of a grand defensive structure.
• 🛠️ Over a thousand years, the Golden Gate transformed from a majestic structure to the ruins of two dilapidated walls covered by a modern pavilion.
• 📅 Historians debate the construction date: some say 1037 (mentioned in chronicles), while others propose 1022, linking it to Volodymyr the Great.
• 🔔 The gate church of the Annunciation was built on top of the Golden Gate, symbolizing protection for the city of Kyiv.
• 🛡️ The pavilion currently covering the ruins is one of three possible reconstruction designs, with archaeologist Serhiy Vysotskyi offering a different vision of the gate's original form.
• 🕊️ Vysotskyi believed the gate was embedded into the defensive rampart, providing stability, whereas the current reconstruction shows it at the edge.
• 🎨 An icon of the Mother of God was originally placed on the field-side of the gate, missing from the current pavilion design.
• ⛪ The gate church may have been positioned closer to the city, not blocking the parapet passage as seen in the modern reconstruction.
• 🏹 Defensive elements like parapet projections and loopholes were reconstructed based on later examples, but it's believed vertical loopholes were more historically accurate.
• 🏠 The gate likely had a pitched roof to prevent water and snow accumulation, which is missing from the modern flat-roofed pavilion.

Q & A

What is the Golden Gate of Kyiv?

The Golden Gate of Kyiv is a monumental front gate from the medieval period, serving as the main entrance to the upper city of Kyiv, the capital of Rus.

What is the current state of the Golden Gate?

The Golden Gate has turned from a majestic entrance complex into the ruins of two dilapidated walls, now covered with a modern protective pavilion that reproduces their appearance.

Who is Dmytro Horbatyuk and what is his role in the story?

Dmytro Horbatyuk is an architect who is researching the history and architecture of Kyiv, and he presents an alternative version of the Golden Gate's reconstruction.

What are the two main versions regarding the date of construction of the Golden Gate?

The two main versions regarding the date of construction of the Golden Gate are 1037, which is the first mention in the chronicles, and 1022, as proposed by historian Nadia Nikitenko.

Why is the Golden Gate named so?

The name 'Golden Gate' could come from the gilded dome of the church above the gate or it could be due to it being a traditional name for main entrances to many cities of that time.

What were the defensive structures like around Kyiv in the 11th century?

In the 11th century, Kyiv had powerful tree-earthen ramparts and walls with a total length of three and a half kilometers, with the main entrance being the Golden Gate in the southern part.

What were the five differences between the modern protective pavilion and the possible historical appearance of the Golden Gate?

The five differences are: 1) The main gate's location relative to the shaft, 2) The presence of an icon of the Mother of God above the gate, 3) The location of the Gate Church relative to the city, 4) The construction and projection of the wooden wall on the shaft, and 5) The type of roof on the Golden Gate Tower.

What was the significance of the icon of the Mother of God above the Golden Gate?

The icon of the Mother of God was significant as it symbolized that the city was under her protection, and it was considered the heavenly patron of Kyiv.

Why is the reconstruction of the Golden Gate Church hypothetical?

The reconstruction of the Golden Gate Church is hypothetical because exact architectural details have not been preserved, and researchers had to rely on analogues and archaeological findings.

What were the defensive mechanisms on top of the rampart?

The defensive mechanisms on top of the rampart included a fighting platform with a parapet, and possibly a 'zaborola', which was a parapet wall with loopholes for shooting arrows or throwing stones.

What is the likelihood of the Golden Gate Tower having a pitched roof instead of a flat one?

It is more likely that the Golden Gate Tower had a pitched roof to prevent water and snow accumulation, which would have been impractical and damaging for a flat roof.