Pages: 37-58

The article summarizes some results of the research on a military fortification Kale, unearthed not far from the top of the Katlabukh Lake (Ismail, Odessa Oblast of the Ukraine). Based on the data about configuration of the structure, pithouses, items and coins, it was established that the site was leſt by the Russian Army during 1806—1812 war with the Ottoman Empire. Comparing this archaeological evidence with written and cartographic data enabled the researchers to identify Kale as a redoubt built by the general A. F. Langeron’s soldiers in early winter of 1808. This fortification built simultaneously with the other two (to the north of the Kitay Lake and near the village Tabaki) had to control the activities of the Ismail garrison, which was then the only fort held by the Turks in Bessarabia. In winter 1808—1809, each redoubt would house one batallion of infantry, which was replaced monthly and was armed with cannons. The finds unearthed by the archaeologists help reveal details of everyday service of the Russian soldiers, as well as some aspects of life unrelated to military services, particularly, contacts with the local Muslim population, the Tartars.

Keywords: Russian-Turkish War of 1806—1812, the Danube region, Suvorovo, Kale, 1808, military fortifications, redoubt, Alexandre Langeron

Information about authors:

Nicolai Russev (Kishinev, Moldova). Doctor Habilitat of History. High Anthropological School University.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mihail Fokeev (Odessa, Ukraine). Candidate of Historical Sciences.
E-mail: [email protected]
Klavs Randsborg (Copenhagen, Denmark). Professor in archaeology. University of Copenhagen.
E-mail: [email protected]
Tomas Roland Jensen (Copenhagen, Denmark). University of Copenhagen.
E-mail: [email protected]