The Black Tomb Mound is located in Chernihiv near Yeletskyi Monastery. The mound is one of the largest among ancient Kievan Rus monuments dating back to the 10th century. It is well preserved till our days. One of the most widespread legends of the city says that Prince Black, who was the founder of the city, was buried in this mound and the city was named in his honor.
The size of the mound is really impressive: the diameter is 40 m, the circumference is 125 m, the height which is still preserved is 11m. In ancient times it was surrounded by a moat up to 7 m wide. The mound was investigated by the famous archaeologist, who was a Chernihiv citizen, Samokvasov in 1872-73.
A man and a woman were buried in the mound. The burial was carried out according to the cremation ceremony.
The man and the woman were laid down full of ample military equipment. Next to the warrior man there were different pieces of weapon, namely, two swords, a saber, a spear, a saddle with stirrups, fragments of a chain mail, a helmet, arrowheads, and there was a shield with a copper band at his feet. Next to the weapon there was an iron vessel with ram's bones and a bronze brazier with coal. Two saddled horses were laid at the feet. Besides, 10 sickles were found by the legs of a woman. Numerous ornaments, belt tips, gold and silver ingots were found at the place where the dead were lying. Scientists were excited with the view of the remains of molten jewelry in the fire, a bronze vessel, keys, locks, axes and chisels.
