Pages: 75-102

It was traditionally considered that medieval fortress in Belgorod on Dniester was built in a few stages, during 90 years (from 1390 — to 1479), and the territory of defensive complex during this time gradually broadened from 0,09 ga to 8,73 ga. However, many facts revealed by the historical-architectural analysis of the fortress prove that the fortress was built rather quickly and works on its construction did not last more than two years (1438—1440). Some wide-scale modernization works on the complex were carried out in 1470-1475.

Building of this fortress was stimulated by continuous feudal conflicts between the two pretenders on Moldavian throne — Stephen II and his brother Iliaş. As a result, the country was divided into spheres of influence, and Belgorod in 1438 grew into the capital of Ţara de Jos ruled by Stephen II. Modernization in 1470s , carried out during Stephan III the Great’s rule, was motivated by the Ottoman military aggression in the region.

Keywords: Belgorod fortress, “the Time of Troubles” in Moldavian Principality, Stephan II, construction activities of Stephan III, Moncastro, Dniester estuary, defensive ditch

Information about author:

Andrei Krasnozhon (Odessa, Ukraine). South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky
E-mail: [email protected]