Каменные оборонительные сооружения Древней Руси второй половины XIII — середины XIV в.: основные итоги и проблемы изучения
Stone Defensive Structures of the Old Rus’ (Second Half of the 13th — Mid 14th Centuries): the Main Results and Problems of Studies

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the history of development of the 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, with individual stone defensive towers within the ring. In North-Western Rus’, at the end of the 13th century, we can find irregular fortresses with stone walls, but apparently without towers. Fortifications with a fairly clear, almost regular plan (Orlets, Oreshek) appeared in the 1340—1350s. The middle of the 14th century seems to be a new turning point in the development of ancient Russian fortification.

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