New studies of the Eneolithic and Late Middle Ages sites in the forest-steppe zone of the Fore-Urals

Abstract

This paper deals with the results of archaeological work in 2023 in the middle part of the Dyoma river in the Fore-Ural forest-steppe. The main focus is on sites from two periods: the Late Middle Ages (Chiyalik culture) and the Eneolithic. Systematic archaeological research has been conducted in the surveyed area over the past several years, the purpose of which is to search for new culture sites of the designated periods. These studies have led to the discovery of a number of new culture sites of the Chiyalik culture in the Dyoma river valley. Specifically, three archaeological sites of the late Middle Ages as a part of the 2023 works were identified – Yabalakly 2 and 3, and Nizhnehozyatovo-5 settlements. The materials from these identified sites typically consist of fragments of iron artifacts, cauldrons, and tools. These finds bear close parallels to nearby Chiyalik culture sites, allowing them to be placed within the corresponding series of monuments. As part of the survey work, one of the major Eneolithic sites, the Kara–Yakupovo campsite, was also examined, where an exploratory test pit was excavated. A similar Eneolithic material was recorded on another newly identified archaeological resource, the Novy Berkadak-1 settlement. The survey work covered in the article represents the logical continuation of comprehensive and targeted research into the Eneolithic period and the Late Middle Ages in the middle part of the Dyoma River in the Southern Fore-Urals.