Features of state and legal development of nomadic peoples of southem Ukraine in ancient times

Abstract

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the formation, development, functioning of state formations, legal systems, state and legal institutions of the nomadic peoples of the Northern Black Sea coast of ancient Ukraine.

The general features of proto-state and state formations of Cimmerians, Scythians and Sarmatians of the south of Ukraine are defined in the work, the reasons of origin of their first states on the territory of the Northern Black Sea coast are characterized. The peculiarities of the functioning of legal systems, the sources of the law of nations are also analyzed. The characteristic features of the main legal institutions of these entities are determined.

The study notes that the Cimmerians, Scythians and Sarmatians created the first state formations in southern Ukraine, which, on the one hand, clearly reflected the elements of the transition period from tribal system to the state, on the other – began the formation of a new political and legal form of tribal unions – the state. The legal systems of these state formations were based on legal custom as the main source of law and were gradually supplemented by regulations of kings. Due to the lack of writing, strict devotion to the customs and traditions of life of the tribe, nomadic way of life, the peoples of southern Ukraine did not move to the formation of most state and legal institutions that were characteristic of other peoples of this era. These peoples actually lacked astructured central and local government. However, they were the first to switch to the state tradition in Ukraine and, in turn, established state-building traditions in Ukraine.