Medieval Fortresses of the Margaritovka Basin in Eastern Primorye

Abstract

Introduction. Studies of ancient fortifications in the Eastern Primorye of Russia in the Margaritovka River basin are conducted for the first time by complex methods: mapping, geophysical characteristics, classification by shape, size, functional purpose.

Results. Four fortification sites have been identified: Shcherbakovskoye settlement, Senokosnoe-1 fortification, Margaritovo fortress, Margaritovskaya stone defensive wall. Shcherbakovskoye settlement belongs to the mountain type. It is characterized by a closed configuration of shafts, corner and wall towers, stone-throwing platforms, an inner city, residential estates. Shcherbakovskoye settlement is a gift of the 13 th century period of the state of Eastern Xia. The Senokosnoe-1 fortification belongs to the cape type. It is protected by earthen ramparts and a moat. The fortification is comparable in archaeological material with the Polzevskaya culture of the early Middle Ages. The Margaritovo fortress belongs to the cape type and dates from the post-Bohai period. The Margaritovskaya stone wall is located on the Sikhote-Alin mountain spur. It is equipped with a watchtower. It was built in the Middle Ages. Conclusion. The location of the fortifications and the stone rampart indicate the functioning of a land and river route in the Margaritovka River basin. The road began on the mountain Perevalnaya. The final point of the road was the bay of the Morayak-Ribolov of the Sea of Japan. The entrance to the bay and the mouth of the Margaritovka River was protected by a stone wall with signal towers.