Pavel S. Rykov as Director of the Saratov Museum of Local Lore and Professor of Archaeology in 1924–1925 (Based on Archival Materials)

The article is of a historical and scientific nature. Research on the history of archaeology is not merely of academic interest; it also contributes to the development of a civic position among Russian scientists through specific examples, which determines the relevance of this work. The biography of Pavel S. Rykov, an outstanding archaeologist and local historian and one of the founders of the archaeological school at Saratov State University, serves as one such example. The novelty of this work lies in the introduction of new archival materials into scientific circulation, allowing us to view Pavel S. Rykov not only as an archaeologist and organizer of regional museum studies but also as a talented professor. An examination of previously unexplored historical sources shows that during the years of devastation following the Civil War, Pavel S. Rykov managed to ensure the museum’s scientific activity, particularly the organization of archaeological expeditions and the publication of museum collection catalogues. Under his leadership, the museum carried out extensive educational work, including using archaeological materials. The pedagogical component of his work is reconstructed through a study of the guide to the archaeological department’s collections that the scientist compiled for students. Pavel S. Rykov emerges as a faithful follower of his teacher, Vasily A. Gorodtsov, striving to teach his students the methodology of historical reconstruction, to provide them with the fundamental concepts of archaeological science, and to convey the characteristic features of each archaeological period in the region’s territory. As a lecturer, P.S. Rykov was distinguished by his broad outlook, his familiarity with the latest achievements in world and Russian science, his gift for scientific foresight, and his emotional presentation style. Many of his students became renowned archaeologists, and it is regrettable that a number of representatives of the Saratov archaeological school, like P.S. Rykov himself, were unable to fully develop their talents, falling victim to unjustified repression.