Pages: 305-306

The authors present new data, obtained by collecting stray finds and their fixation with the GPS device, as well as by means of trial excavations, which allows clarifying the boundaries of the Lower Don and North-Eastern Azov region settlements and raising the question about their either urban or rural status. A classification of the examined sites into three major categories — small cities, large and small rural settlements — is proposed. The main criterion is the dimension of the area occupied by the latter, while the finds attesting to the predominance of certain types of economic activity are also taken into account.

Keywords: Lower Don, North-East Azov region, Golden Horde, Middle Ages, historical geography, settlement, small towns, rural settlement

Information about authors:

Nikita I. Yudin. Master in History. Azov History, Archaeology and Palaeontology Museum-Reserve. Address: Moskovskaya St., 38/40, Azov, 346780, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]
Alexandr P. Minaev. Azov History, Archaeology and Palaeontology Museum-Reserve. Address: Moskovskaya St., 38/40, Azov, 346780, Russian Federation 
E-mail: [email protected]