Žiemgaliai. Baltų archeologijos paroda

LTLeidinyje pristatomi žiemgaliai - viena iš baltų genčių, susiformavusi apie V amžių gana plačioje pilkapių kultūros teritorijoje. Žiemgaliai istoriniuose šaltiniuose pirmąsyk paminėti IX amžiuje, nuo XIV amžiaus Žiemgalos vardas jau nebeminimas. Daugiausia žinomi ir ištirti žiemgalių archeologijos paminklai - kapinynai. Laidosenoje geriausiai atsispindi turtinga ir savita genties kultūra. Archeologijos radiniai lieka svarbiausias to laiko dokumentas. Parodos Lietuvos nacionaliniame muziejuje knyga - išsamus, iliustruotas parodos katalogas lietuvių ir anglų kalbomis. [Leidėjo anotacija]Reikšminiai žodžiai: Lietuvos istorija; Latvija (Latvia); Žiemgala; Archeologiniai radiniai; Katalogai; The Lithuanian history; Latvia; Semigallia; Archaeological finds; Catalogs.

ENThe Semigallians (in Latvian, žemgali, in Lithuanian, žemgaliai) belonged to a Baltic tribe which formed in around the fifth century in a broad area of barrow-culture territory. Semigallians are mentioned in written sources for the first time in the ninth century, but from the fourteenth century the name is no longer used. Archaeological finds are the main evidence available to help us understand that period. Semigallian territory was divided between two mediaeval states, namely Livonia and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The border, which was agreed between the Teutonic Order (which controlled Livonia) and the Grand Duchy in the early fifteenth century remains, with certain adaptations, the same line as that, which now separates the Republics of Latvia and Lithuania. An exhibition, called Ancient Semigallians, organised jointly by the Latvian History Museum and the National Museum of Lithuania, was staged in Riga (September 2003-March 2004) and Vilnius (April-August 2005). The aim of this joint exhibition was to illustrate the proto-history of the Semigallians by means of archaeological relics. At present we know of approximately 200 Semigallian archaeological sites which uncovered relics of the material and, to a lesser degree, the spiritual culture of this people. The Exhibition contains finds from some 130 sites, of which 48 are in Latvia and 82 in Lithuania. The exhibition catalogue contains references to 1,300 exhibits. The Latvian exhibits come from the Latvian History Museum, while the artefacts from the National Museum of Lithuania in Vilnius are complemented by items from the Aušra Museum in Šiauliai, the Joniškis History Museum and the Mažeikiai Museum.Archaeological sites such as cemeteries are better known and these have been investigated more thoroughly. Burial customs reflect ethnic traits best. Fragments of Semigallian lifestyle, which are reflected better by excavations of hillforts and ancient settlements, come for the greater part from Latvian material. Agriculture, artisan trades, everyday life, hidden hoards and imported goods show the Semigallians were a wealthy tribe dwelling close to major trade routes and this fact is reflected in their culture. Latvian history museum had published a book in Latvian and Lithuanian called "Zemgaji senatnė", "Žiemgaliai senovėje" ("Ancient Semigallians"). This collection of articles by Latvian and Lithuanian specialists covers the history of Semigallia, its territory, burial sites, settlements, ornamentation, agriculture, artisan trades and the crusades as well as the later fate of the Semigallians. The book in National Museum of Lithuania is the illustrated catalogue in Lithuanian and English. Common efforts of baltic archaeological exhibitions - ultimate purpose "The Balts" - exhibition and publication. [Extract, p. 6]

• Archeologija / Archaeology
• Istorija / History