Pages: 185-197 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.55086/sp253185197

The article presents plans of the Late Scythian Yuzhno-Donuzlav settlement (Northwestern Crimea) for the first time. Using materials from the 1960s–1970s, we can trace the evolution of the settlement’s layout from the last quarter of the 2nd century BC to the early 2nd century AD and compare it with other settlements in the region.
The earliest Late Scythian structures at the Yuzhno-Donuzlav settlement likely consisted of annexes added to Greek buildings, all of which were protected by a fence. Between 110 BC and 60 BC, new multi-chamber houses were built, along with a rampart and ditch. From 60 BC to 20 AD, the settlement expanded beyond these defensive structures, with one of the new areas enclosed by its own fence. The main layout consisted of multi-chamber houses with similar orientations. After 20 AD, the area of the settlement decreased, and it began to consist of single-chamber dwellings.
Overall, the Yuzhno-Donuzlav settlement resembles contemporary settlements in Northwestern Crimea but exhibits several notable differences. For example, the earliest Late Scythian defensive wall in the region was likely found here. Subsequently, the “suburb” of the settlement was surrounded by its own defensive fence, which is unusual for neighboring sites. There are other differences too, but these can likely be attributed to poor preservation, specific recording methods, and challenges in interpretation.

Keywords: Northwestern Crimea, Late Scythian archaeological culture, Yuzhno-Donuzlav settlement, Late Scythian architecture, Crimean Scythia

Information about author:

Egor Antonov (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of World History of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Leninskiy Prospekt, 32а, Moscow, 119332, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID: 0000-0001-5247-2219