Spatial Analysis of the Zolotarevka Fortified Settlement Structures

Abstract

The article examines the structures of the Zolotarevka fortified settlement (a medieval fortress in the upper reaches of the Sura River, Penza region), both from the points of view of building technologies and of spatial analysis. The zones of residential buildings and zones of economic and industrial structures were identified. The buildings themselves were located chaotically along the territory of the fortified settlement but were tied to internal roads. The average size of residential buildings was 4×3 m, and the economic – 2×2 m. Usually the pockets for cooking were located next to the side and fenced with wattle. Among the features two long structures (barracks) with a rammed platform between them may be singled out. The study of these materials also made it possible to identify the traditions of Ancient Russia and Volga Bulgaria. Particular attention is paid by the authors to the defensive structures that were formed over the years from 10th to 13th centuries and retain a number of unique elements. First of all, these were trapping pits located in a checkerboard pattern on the floor side of the settlement as well as coating the ditch with clay and internal paths along the rampart. To summarize, these facts make the Zolotarevka fortified settlement a reference monument of the medieval history of Eastern Europe.