Pages: 111-112

The article addresses data on the Bolgar city fortifications in the Golden Horde period. On the basis of archaeological materials, the reconstruction of the defensive structures original appearance is provided. They consisted of wooden walls made up of horizontal and vertical poles, which were installed on an earth rampart. On its external side, there was a ditch, triangular in cross-section. This is the most important evidence that it had not been intended for filling with water being kept always dry. Along the counter-escarp, rows of vertical logs serving as dragon’s teeth have also been revealed. The finds of coins in the base of the defensive rampart date back to its construction during the reign of Jani Beg khan. The material obtained allows offering a new interpretation of the construction period and operation mode of the fortifications in the Golden Horde era.

Keywords: Central Volga area, Golden Horde period, Bolgar hillfort, fortification, rampart, moat

Information about author:

Airat M. Gubaidullin. Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute of Archaelogy named after A. Kh. Khalikov, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. Address: Butlerov St, 30, Kazan, 420012, Russian Federation 
E-mail: [email protected]