#Exhibit of the Month

The exhibit of the month for November is a rare glass goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery, discovered in Tigheci. Dated to the second half of the 4th century AD, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the craftsmanship of the time, made from translucent greenish glass with a truncated cone shape and intricate geometric decoration. The goblet features three rows of hexagonal facets, framed by incised lines, and a row of elongated ovals under the rim, characteristics which classify it within Series VII A, according to E. Straume's classification. These ornamental traits hint at artistic influences from various regions and indicate the spread of technologies and ideas within the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture.

Archaeological Context of the Discovery

The Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery at Tigheci is located in a historically complex area, positioned on the northwest slope of the Tigheci River, at the "La Lutărie" point. First identified in the 1980s following unauthorized clay extraction, the cemetery has suffered considerable damage, leading to the loss of valuable artifacts and the destruction of graves. Among the objects recovered by Mr. Ion Pușcașu, founder of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Tigheci, are wheel-thrown ceramic items reflecting the traditions and techniques of communities during the Migration Period.

The site was first archaeologically investigated in 1990, when a complete inhumation grave was found, though lacking any inventory. Subsequent surveys in 2013 and 2015 by the National Archaeological Agency revealed ongoing erosion damaging the cemetery, necessitating a rescue excavation in 2017. This campaign documented and investigated five graves from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture, including the skeletal remains of a male individual estimated to have been 40 to 45 years old at the time of death, offering additional insights into the demographic structure of this community.

Cultural Significance and Comparisons

The hexagonally faceted glass goblet is among the most valuable artifacts from the Tigheci cemetery. Similar goblets are characteristic of the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture and have been found in notable sites such as Târgșor and Bârlad-Valea Seacă (Romania) and Gavrilovka, Ranjevoe (Ukraine), reflecting the cultural and trade connections of this community with other centers of influence in Late Antiquity. Ancient texts and cultural parallels suggest a complex interaction zone with Hellenistic and Roman influences, reflected in luxury goods production such as this glass goblet.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

Festive meeting dedicated to the Professional Day of Historians

June 18, 2022

On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the Blue Room of the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the festive meeting dedicated to the Professional Day of Historians, established by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Moldova no. 427 of June 10, 2011. The event was attended by historians, teachers, ethnographers, museographers, archivists, students and history lovers.

The meeting was moderated by Prof. Anatol Petrencu, Dr. habil. in history (President of the Alexandru Moșanu Association of Historians of the Republic of Moldova) and Dr. habil. Gheorghe Cojocaru (Director of the Institute of History). The event was opened by Dr. Anatolie Topală, Minister of Education and Research, who in addition to the congratulatory message addressed to the community of historians assured them on behalf of the Ministry of supporting their activities, as well as supporting the growth and education of active and responsible citizens.

Greetings and congratulations were made by Dr. Igor Sharov (Rector of the State University of Moldova); Dr. habil. Liliana Condraticova (Secretary General of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova); Dr. Ludmila Chiciuc (Vice-Rector of the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State University in Cahul); Ghenadie Donos (President of the Trade Union Federation for Education and Research); Mr. Nicolae Ciubotaru (the Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University), and other representatives of research institutes, universities, agencies, museums, and so on. Livia Sîrbu, Deputy Director of the host institution, also delivered a message of greetings and wishes for great achievements, emphasizing the role of museums in promoting history and national values.

During the celebratory meeting, diplomas were awarded as a token of high appreciation for the fruitful activity in the field of history, as well as on the occasion of the Historian's Day.

During the celebratory meeting, as a sign of high appreciation for the fruitful activity in the field of history, as well as on the occasion of the Historian's Day, certificates of honor were awarded.

In addition, there was a presentation of the book "Republic of Moldova in search of identity" edited by Dr. habil. Anatol Petrencu and Ion Negrei, in which the proceedings of the conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Moldova were published.

The event ended with a wonderful artistic performance by the members of the Ștefan Neaga Center of Excellence in Art Education.

Historia est magistra vitae!