The article addresses data on the Bolgar city fortifications in the Golden Horde period. On the basis of archaeological materials, the reconstruction of the defensive structures original appearance is provided. They consisted of wooden walls made up
On the Defensive Structures of the Bolgar Hillfort in the Golden Horde Period

Author(s): Airat Gubaidullin
Subject(s): History, Archaeology, Military history, Middle Ages, 13th to 14th Centuries
Published by: Издательский дом Stratum, Университет «Высшая антропологическая школа»
Keywords: Central Volga area; Golden Horde period; Bolgar hillfort; fortification; rampart;moat;
Summary/Abstract: The article addresses data on the Bolgar city fortifications in the Golden Horde period. On the basis of archaeological materials, the reconstruction of the defensive structures original appearance is provided. They consisted of wooden walls made up of horizontal and vertical poles, which were installed on an earth rampart. On its external side, there was a ditch, triangular in cross-section. This is the most important evidence that it had not been intended for filling with water being kept always dry. Along the counter-escarp, rows of vertical logs serving as dragon’s teeth have also been revealed. The finds of coins in the base of the defensive rampart date back to its construction during the reign of Jani Beg khan. The material obtained allows offering a new interpretation of the construction period and operation mode of the fortifications in the Golden Horde era.

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