Abstract
The paper for the fi rst time examines the medieval Saltovo-Mayaki materials of the settlement that arose on the site of Kulchuk in the northwestern Crimea. A new stage of its study began in 2006, associating with the work of the Donuzlav Mission led by S.B. Lantsov. The most actively Saltovo-Mayaki horizons and objects of Kulchuk were excavated in 2006–2009. To date, they are represented by two residential buildings attached on the west and east sides of the main ancient Tower 2 and associated with them by a cultural layer located on the south and north sides of this fortifi cation. Particular attention is paid to the technique of masonry of stone foundations of houses using large ancient stone blocks facing the Tower. At the same time, the masonry technique itself is careless with the absence of masonry elements “in the Christmas tree.” This technique was recorded for the fi rst time in the Saltovo settlements of Crimea. Archaeological material is few and is represented mainly by small fragments of ceramics. Based on amphora containers, and, most importantly, a complex of kitchen utensils, it dates from a short period of time within the middle - second half of the 8ht century. This is confi rmed by numismatic data. Individual fi nds are singular. Materials of 9th century, especially its second half - is represented by only a few fragments. Most likely before us is a rather early Saltovo settlement, which was pronounced seasonal in nature. After every season, masonry, fallen into decay, renewed. The reasons for its abandonment in the second half of the 8th century, has yet to be clarified.
Keywords
Saltovo-Mayaki antiquities, northwestern Crimea, Kulchuk, ceramic complex, chronology.
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