Typology of Old Russian settlements in the Middle Dniester region in the 10th–13th centuries

Abstract

The article focuses on the typology, internal structure and historical formation and development of the settlement structure of Middle Transnistria during the 10th-13th centuries. through the prism of the socio-economic and political development of the Kievan Rus' state. It is also emphasized that the settlement of the region by the Slavs took place using previously existing settlement structures. In particular, archaeological research has revealed artifacts of the Trypillian culture and Scythian times.

The purpose of the work is to, based on existing historical and archaeological research, systematize the types of ancient Russian settlements of the Middle Dnieper region (fortresses, villages, cities) and analyze their functional significance as fortification, craft, trade and cultural centers. The role and place of Bakota in the development of the region is emphasized.

The methodology was based on a critical analysis of sources and historiographical base, as well as a comparative approach and the method of analogies, which allowed us to take a convex look at the process of settlement of the Middle Dnieper region during the period of the Kievan Rus' state and outline the further role of the region in the processes of state formation.

The results highlight the settlement structure of Middle Transnistria as a long and dynamic process of interaction of political factors, natural conditions and migration processes. It is emphasized that the settlement of the region by Slavic tribes went from early Slavic communities, represented by the archaeological Chernyakhiv culture, to complex urban conglomerations of the early Middle Ages; from settlements on the banks of rivers near earlier inhabited points to the formation of complex socio-economic and political urban formations. The continuity of the settled population in the region during the period under study is confirmed. The idea of two stages of the development of the region is supported. The established structure of the ancient Russian settlement with the detyntsem, posad and surrounding villages has been analyzed. Archaeological finds confirm the high level of craft and agricultural development, which refutes the established view of the settlements of the Middle Transnistria only as defensive fortifications.

The conclusions indicate that the structure of the settlements of that time indicates a combination of various functions, from defensive to trade-communication and religious-spiritual. In addition, natural resources and landscapes contributed to the stability of the formation and development of the settlement structure of the Middle Transnistria for a long time.