The Study of the Zolotaryovka Fortified Settlement of the VIII–XIII Centuries by Mikhail Romanovich Polesskikh

Abstract

Zolotaryovka fortified settlement (VIII–XIII centuries) is the part of the large archaeological complex of the Middle Ages. It belongs to the group of Bulgar type archaeological sites. In 1952, 1953, 1957, 1959, 1965, 1976 and 1977 this site was studied by Mikhail Romanovich Polesskikh (1908–1992). This researcher determined the scientific potential of the monument. M.R. Polesskikh could not generalized during his lifetime the results of his work on the Zolotaryovka settlement. After the death of the researcher G.N. Belorybkin tried to do it in 2001 and 2020. However, the this work was not completed. There is no detailed reconstruction of the planigraphy of the results of the excavations carried out by M.R. Polesskikh on the territory of the settlement. This article restores the chronology of the work at the archaeological site. In 1952, 1953 and 1957 M.R. Polesskikh excavated a number of pits on the territory of the IV sector of the fortified settlement. Wide-scale excavations were carried out on the territory of all sectors of the archaeological site in 1959, 1965 and 1976–77. The headland part of the Zolotarevka fortified settlement which is located between the spit of the cape and the first rampart was studied more detailed. Remains of four buildings were found on the archaeological site (two in sector IV, two in sector I). These were interpreted by M.R. Polesskikh as residential areas. The stratigraphy of two ramparts was studied in 1965 and 1977. The results of all these works were only partially introduced into the scientific circulation.