Pages: 131-134

The development dynamics of archaeological monuments (hillforts, unfortified settlements and necropolises) of the Golden Horde period in the Volga Bulgaria territory is analyzed. The history of historical geography studies of the Golden-Horde Bolgar Ulus is examined. The archaeological research of the area revealed not less than 330 settlements, both fortified and unfortified. These data made it possible to determine the territory of the Bolgar Ulus, the topography of individual sites, and the historical context of their emergence and development. Particular attention is given to the necropolises of the nomads who had inhabited the Bolgar Ulus. The necropolises and the permanent settlements founded by this population helped to define the territory of their residence. A hypothesis of administrative division of the Bolgar Ulus territory in the period from the Mongol conquest and prior to the early 15th century is considered. It is argued that there had been a few administrative areas centered on major cities — Bolgar, Juketau, and Kazan. Besides, there had been a special territory inhabited by the nomadic population.

Keywords: Middle Volga Region, Volga Bulgaria, Golden Horde sites, historical geography, administrative division, hillforts

Information about author:

Konstantin A. Rudenko. Doctor of Historical Sciences. Kazan State Institute of Culture. Address: Orenburgsky Trakt St., 3, Kazan, 420059, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]