Pages: 267-282

The article deals with the history of the development of Old Russian defensive architecture after Mongolian invasion: in the second half of the 13th — mid 14th century. The construction of stone fortresses at this time was sporadic. Two main traditions can be distinguished, one of which is characteristic for Western Rus’, and the other for North-Western Rus’. Most likely, the earliest fortifications of Western Rus’ were wood-earthen walls, in the ring of which stood single stone defensive towers. In North-Western Rus’ at the end of the 13th century we can find irregular fortresses with stone walls, but apparently without towers. The fortifications that have a fairly clear, almost regular plan (Orlets, Oreshek) appeared in the 1340—1350s. Probably the middle of the 14th century became a new turning point in the development of ancient Russian fortification.

Keywords: Old Rus, Western Rus, Northern-Western Rus, 13th—14th centuries, fortifications, architecture of Old Rus, building archaeology, stone construction

Information about authors:

Ilya Antipov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Arts. Saint Petersburg State University. Universitetskaya Emb., 7/9, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation
E-mail: [email protected]