Chance finds of antiquities on the territory of the Samara Governorate in the second half of XIX - early XX centuries

In the paper, separate information about archaeological finds and predatory excavations on the territory of the Samara Governorate in the middle of the XIX–beginning of XX centuries is collected for the first time. The process of archaeological study of the Samara Governorate in the pre-revolutionary period of development of the Samara archaeology remains unexplored. As a result the author has made a set of archaeological discoveries and excavations made on the territory of the Samara Governorate in the second half of XIX–beginning XX centuries. The list of finds includes all facts of the discovery revealed during the research of archaeological sites and individual artifacts with indication of detection time, place, and composition of the find or treasure. The author revealed 142 evidences of found antiquities according to the research of the second half of XIX–early XX centuries. They are hoards of coins, jewelry, household items, religious objects and other finds accumulated in the scientific centers and museums in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Saratov and Simbirsk. Many of finds are lost or their location is unknown. The issues raised in the paper are inseparably linked with the problem of accounting and protection of archaeological sites, preservation of cultural heritage.