ON THE WATER SUPPLY OF BOLGARY SITE IN THE GOLDEN HORDE PERIOD

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine the traces of hydraulic facilities in the southern part of Bolgary site, especially its upper part with some open bodies of water, mainly seasonal and situated lower then a zone of buildings. Usually explorers of urban beautifi cation (particularly water conduits) examined its central (northern) part where there is a slope from reservoirs to buildings. The principles
of our approach is usage of old maps of the site, accessible cosmic photos, results of excavations and observations on location for relief. Presumably there was a cascade of ponds in Jerusalemsky ravine in the time of the Golden Horde. High lakes were used in the southern part of the site as reservoirs for water. Sometimes the hollows of lakes are connected with small channels. Location of some large wells is detected. One of them partly investigated in excavation CCXIV. Sometimes any lines passing out of the wells are fi xable on the cosmic photos. It correspond either to paths or to surface water conduits. There are two places where lines fi xed on photos correspond to trenches. It partly explored by excavations CCVIII and CCIX. Presumably the trenches were used for irrigation. Small fountain (cheshme) was found out in the excavation CCI. May be, it was supplied with water from nearest well by surface water conduit.