On Some Issues of Studying the Pre-Mongol Bolgar Fortified Settlements

Abstract

This paper deals with different issues related to the study of the ancient settlements of Volga Bolgaria. Archaeological excavations of the sites, as well as the defensive lines surrounding them, are no longer enough to reveal the whole picture as much as possible. It is indicated here that it is necessary to pay attention to the layout of the settlements themselves, their relationship to the surrounding topography. This approach helps clarify the rationale behind the establishment of a fortified center in a specific location, as well as its topographical setting, which can serve as an additional tool for determining its social status. During the research of specific settlements, it is important to pay attention to their defensive systems. In addition to the fortifications themselves and the nature of the internal and external buildings of specific settlements, it is necessary to consider possible biological resources that could have existed at that time, which leads to important interdisciplinary research.