Photo: Wikipedia
There are people whose hearts beat in unison with the rhythm of their native land, and whose soul strives to discover the secrets of the past in order to share them with us. Such is Mykola Hladkyi, a historian, writer, researcher and tireless keeper of Scythian culture. His life is a story of boundless love for Ukraine, its history and the people who lived on this land thousands of years ago.
Nikolai Vasilyevich does not just write books – he creates living bridges between the present and the past. His works on Scythian culture invite us into the world of our ancestors, where every artefact tells us about craftsmanship, beliefs and connection with nature. Every page of his books is imbued with warmth and deep respect for the heritage he so carefully preserves.
One of the brightest pearls of his work is the book “Golden Amulets of Great Scythia“, presented in 2021. This is the sixth work in a series dedicated to the Scythian heritage, and it impresses with its depth. Mykola Vasylovych describes the unique artefacts that he personally researches with scientific precision and warmth. Each relic is accompanied by detailed descriptions, colourful photographs, diagrams and maps of the finds. This is not just a book – it is a portal to the past, where Scythian treasures come to life.
A real breakthrough in Scythology was the new book “Majestic Scythia – Proto-Ukraine“, co-authored with Volodymyr Tsybulkin and published in 2025. This illustrated encyclopaedia is a real treasure for anyone interested in our history before the times of Rus. It reveals the world of our ancestors: how they lived, what they created, what they believed in, and how they built their lives.
The book is a breakthrough in Scythology for several reasons. Firstly, it is a thorough collection of scientific information and materials, supported by unique illustrations that make the story come alive and accessible. Secondly, for the first time, it provides answers to questions that have been bothering historians for years. For example, the authors prove that the Scythians had a written language, providing samples of it, and also show coins with portraits of Scythian kings, which confirm the existence of their own monetary system. The book reveals that it was the Scythians, not the Greeks, who created gold jewellery and attributes, as was previously thought. It also describes Scythian urban planning, religion and many other aspects that help us understand the greatness of this culture.
This illustrated encyclopedia is not just a scholarly publication, but also a fascinating journey into the past. Thanks to high-quality images and detailed descriptions of artefacts, the book makes history tangible, as if we were holding Scythian treasures in our hands. It allows every reader to feel closer to our ancestors, to understand their worldview and skills.
Mykola Gladkyi began his journey into the world of Scythian culture back in 1992. For decades, he has been collecting materials, travelling around Ukraine, and collaborating with archaeologists and historians. His books are the fruit of his tireless work, combining scientific accuracy with sincere enthusiasm. The uniqueness of his works lies in the fact that he not only brings previously unknown artefacts into scientific circulation, but also makes them close to everyone, inviting them to touch history.
Nikolai Vasilyevich is a man with a big heart. He generously shares his knowledge by donating his books to libraries, cultural figures and anyone who wants to learn about the past. One of these gestures was the presentation of the book Scythian Relics of Ukraine to Igor Mizrakh, founder of the Ukrainian Heart social and cultural platform. This act reflects his mission to promote the Scythian heritage in Ukraine and abroad.
There is a special magic in his texts: he knows how to find beauty in details – in delicate patterns on jewellery, in the shapes of ceramics, in symbols that hide ancient legends. Reading his books is like listening to a friend who lovingly opens a treasure trove of history. His words come to life, and the Scythian culture becomes so close and understandable.
Many thanks to Mykola Hladkyi and Volodymyr Tsybulkin for finding the strength and resources to create this thorough work in such difficult times. “Great Scythia – Proto-Ukraine ” is not only a book, but also a call to remember our roots, be proud of our heritage and pass it on to future generations. Mykola Vasylovych continues his work, and his voice is heard in every new line, in every find he reveals to us. His work is a lively conversation with the past that inspires us to look to the future with pride. Leafing through his books, we hear the Scythian soul come to life, and Mykola Hladkyi’s voice whispers: “This is our history. Take care of it”.
Author : Ekaterina Bogdanenko
