Christianity North of the Balkans in light of the archaeological materials (4th - 6th c. AD)

On the basis of analysis of the archaeological data collected by the author and compared with the evidence of ancient traditions, an attempt is made to determine the time of penetration of Christianity into the Balkan-Carpathian-Pontic area. Judging from the fact that more than 35 early Christian basilicas, 11 of which were built in the 6th – 7th c. AD are known in the Istrian-Pontic area and north of the Danube, one can conclude that Christianity started penetrating into the area in the 2nd c. AD. Notwithstanding numerous invasions of various tribes and tribal agglomerations, which distracted the local population from the Christian faith, and the presence of a considerable amount of the pagans, Christianity did not disappear: written sources of the 3rd c. AD mention a bishopric in Tomi.