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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The National Museum of the History of Ukraine (NMHU) in Kyiv and the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA) in Mainz, Germany, have signed a memorandum that strategically enhances their scientific cooperation. This agreement provides a formal framework for research projects, professional exchange, and international networking, marking a new phase in their longstanding partnership.
For around 15 years, the NMHU and LEIZA have maintained a fruitful exchange. Previously project-based, their collaboration will now be formalised into a more reliable and sustained partnership, opening doors to new initiatives. Key areas of focus will include restoration methods, digital documentation, and cultural heritage protection, as well as the joint scholarly study of collections.
Planned initiatives include comparative research on collection holdings, such as the study of unique glass finds and coins. Another significant area of research will be the history of the medieval Kyivan state (Kyivan Rus), that emerged from the interaction of Scandinavian groups with the local Slavs under Byzantine influence. A thematic focus on this is located at LEIZA in Schleswig, Germany.
Research into Byzantine history is also of particular importance. While Byzantium played a marginal role in Soviet-era academic discourse, it is now gaining significant attention – both in scholarly terms and for Ukraine’s cultural identity. “The support of foreign institutions was crucial for the National Museum of the History of Ukraine when the full-scale invasion began in 2022. We are glad that this cooperation continues in scientific projects as well,” explains Olena Zemliana, Director General of the NMHU. “The Byzantine heritage of Ukraine is an integral part of European history. Our cooperation with LEIZA helps bring this heritage to international prominence and reposition it in the field of academic research.” Among other plans, a European funding application is being prepared to connect museums with Byzantine collections on an international scale.
The impetus for intensifying discussions about a cooperation agreement came in early 2025. “We got a rare opportunity to institutionalise long-standing scholarly ties with the most significant museum in Ukraine,” emphasises Prof. Dr. Alexandra W. Busch, Director General of LEIZA. “Our expertise in restoration, digital archaeology, and cultural heritage protection complements the NMHU’s vast collections perfectly – from the Viking Age and Kyivan Rus to Byzantium and the steppe cultures.”
The historical connections between Mainz and Kyiv stretch back centuries: as early as 960, a first, albeit brief, spiritual bridge was established with the monk Libutius, who was consecrated bishop for Kyiv at St. Alban’s Abbey in Mainz. “Today, we can jointly explore European cultural history and strengthen Ukraine’s cultural heritage in a time of significant challenges,” say the two directors.
Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), Mainz, Germany
Prof. Dr. Stefan Albrecht
Protohistory and Byzantium
Tel.: +49 (0) 6131 8885 456 | Mail: stefan.albrecht@leiza.de
https://www.leiza.de/
National Museum of the History of Ukraine (NMHU), Kyiv, Ukraine
Zinaida Zraziuk, PhD in history
Head of the Numismatics Department
Mail: numismat.nmhu@ukr.net
https://nmiu.org/en
The collaboration between LEIZA and the NMHU also includes joint research on Byzantine history. The ...
Source: Dmytro Klochko
Copyright: National Museum of the History of Ukraine
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The collaboration between LEIZA and the NMHU also includes joint research on Byzantine history. The ...
Source: Dmytro Klochko
Copyright: National Museum of the History of Ukraine
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