Pages: 317-332

This paper is devoted to construction of chronology based on studies of changes in the composition of grave goods. In total, 83 assemblages from 18 cemeteries have been analysed. The key notion in this study is that of the “regional (autonomous) system of type-and-chronology” which implies a certain set of types and well-grounded dates of their use defined within a particular chronological range and region. The problem was addressed in four consequent steps: distinguishing of chronologically significant types, determination of their dates, searching for controversies and dating of the complexes, graves and burial grounds on the basis of several independent chronological systems. As a result, the dates of the assemblages were essentially corrected and three basic conclusions proposed:
1. Funerary sites of the second half of the 11th, 12th and early 13th century comprise complexes of cremations of reiterated sequence of formation. During this period, a specific and very archaic funerary tradition still existed among the local population.
2. Functioning of the so-called “Karelian flat cemeteries of the advanced stage” is limited within the frame of the 13th century. Two sub-periods have been distinguished in the latter: 1220—1290s and 1250—1310s.
3. Late stage in functioning of this site in 1290-1400s was also determined.

Keywords: Karelian Isthmus, Ladoga Lake Region, Late Middle Ages, chronology, funerary sites, synchronization

Information about author:

Stanislav Belskiy (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Universitetskaya Nab., 3, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]