The Black Grave is a prominent burial mound located in Chernihiv, Ukraine, and it holds significant historical and archaeological importance. It is part of the National Sanctuary of Ancient Chernihiv and is recognized as an Archaeological Monument of national significance. This mound is comparable to the barrows found at Gnyozdovo near Smolensk and stands at a height of over 10 meters with a circumference of approximately 170 meters.
During excavations carried out in 1872–73 by Dmitry Samokvasov, a fascinating discovery was made within the Black Grave. Samokvasov uncovered two cremated bodies of Norse warriors, who were surrounded by slaves, sacrificial animals, weaponry, armor, and various ornaments. The burial was dated to the late 10th century, a period when Vladimir I was the ruler of Kievan Rus. It is highly likely that the two warriors buried there were princes of Chernihiv, although historical records do not attest to a local ruler in the Slavonic chronicles before Vladimir's son, Mstislav of Chernihiv.
The burial ritual involved cremating the bodies, which were then placed atop a 7-meter-high mound, where a funeral feast likely took place. Among the items found near the bodies were two helmets, knee-length chain mail, a cauldron with ram bones, two sacerdotal knives, two golden Byzantine coins, an imported sabre, a miniature dark-red bronze idol of Thor, and two silver-bound aurochs horns decorated with intricate floral motifs, mythical creatures, and depictions of a man and a woman shooting at a bird. A stele was erected at the top of the completed mound.
Today, these artifacts are displayed at the State Historical Museum in Moscow. The Black Grave, along with 34 other structures, is part of the Chernihiv National Architecture-Historical Sanctuary known as Ancient Chernihiv. It is a major tourist attraction in the Chernihiv Oblast of Ukraine, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.