Purpose. The article presents a historiographical review of the problems of research of ancient ceramics from archaeological sites of East Asia in the chronological interval from 20,000-18,000 to 9,000 years ago. Results. The subject of discussion is the periodization of monuments with early ceramics, the problems of socio-economic conditions of the emergence of pottery technology, its functional role in ancient societies, reconstruction of technological skills and technical levels of pottery, morphology and decor. There are a lot of controversial issues and “blind spots” in this direction. However, the opening of sites with ancient ceramics in East Asia showed that here, on the Pacific (eastern) outskirts of the Eurasian continent, pottery making technology first appeared about 10,000 years earlier than in the Middle East. The invention of ceramics in this region of the world at the turn of the Pleistocene and Holocene should be considered as a result of a combination of natural and social factors. The example of East Asia shows that the relationship between the appearance of ceramic vessels and the development of agriculture, as a technology for food production, is universally, not a mandatory factor. Conclusion. The article discusses certain regional differences in the formation of skills in making the most ancient ceramic vessels of East Asia. It is assumed that the development of ceramic technology in the Japanese archipelago and in the mainland areas of East Asia took place independently. For the Amur region, there are two local cultural traditions - Osipovskaya and Gromatukhinskaya. According to materials from Northern China, there is a version of the existence of a common line in the development of ancient ceramics in the Valley of the Nonny River. There are similarities between the early ceramics of Northeast China, and the Gromatukhinskaya and Osipovskaya cultures of Amur. For the ceramics of South Korea also note similarities with the materials of the Russian Far East, Japanese and Chinese dishes.

Purpose. Archaeological science has intensively developed in the last few decades. The methodology is being improved, the number of investigated objects is increasing, and archaeological material is accumulating. One of the most important aspects of scientific activity is the integration of the results of work into the scientific community. Results. On March 16-19, 2020, a scientific seminar named “The complexes with flat-bottomed ceramics in the Neolithic of the Urals and Western Siberia: typology, technology, chronology, genesis” was held in Yekaterinburg. More than 50 leading specialists came from the Urals, Western Siberia, Germany and Japan. The set of reports were presented, each presentation was followed by a discussion. The participants had an opportunity to examine the collections of the archaeological sites with flat-bottomed pottery. At the final discussion, a number of serious conclusions were made. They are relevant for the entire region of Northern Eurasia, not only for the Urals and Western Siberia. Conclusion. It has been confirmed that flat-bottomed pottery appeared in Western Siberia and the Urals in the 7th millennium BC. The earliest complexes were discovered in the Baraba forest-steppe and in the Taiga regions in the North of Western Siberia. In local areas, different types of dishes are distinguished, having both similar features and differences. Discussions remain the genesis of morphologically different vessels. Problems of the attitude of complexes of flat-bottomed ceramics to the early and late stages of the Neolithic, the paths and variants of neolithization processes, the spread of ceramic production in a wide area of the region. The current problem of the ratio of Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Early Neolithic formations in the region appears to be relevant. As well as the time of the invention of pottery by man, the fact which radically changed his economy and culture, as well as the physiology of man himself.

Purpose. This article analyzes the archaeological materials gathered by French explorer of Hungarian descent Charles-Eugène Ujfalvy in the course of his expedition into Semirechye (Jetysu). In 1879 his work “French scientific expedition to Russia, Siberia and Turkestan” (“Expédition scientifique française en Russe, en Sibérie et dans le Turkestan”) was published in Paris, where the author expounded extensive and diverse materials on the history, demography, natural economic and cultural specificities of Central Asia. Results. Activities of the European explorers, French in particular, in the territory of Central Asia not once have been the subject of attention and research by specialists. However, only a few mentions in scientific literature can be found about the work of Ch.-E. Ujfalvy in the territory of Jetysu. They are particularly small in number and contain either mentions about the fact of that journey or general descriptions of the expedition. Analysis of archaeological materials gathered by scientists has not been carried out before. The expeditionary route passed through territories that the French author called the Russian Turkestan, by limiting it to Semey in the north, Zarafshan in the south, Fergana Valley in the east and Aral Sea in the west. Ch.-E. Ujfalvy was one of those whose work was distinguished by a great variety and volume of collected material on the history, geography, and traditional culture of the peoples living in the studied territories. Conclusion. Ch.-E. Ujfalvy’s monograph includes not only texts, but also illustrative material. He also outlined the archaeological sites and findings among the landscaping and natural attractions described by the explorer. He has covered some of them in text and some are simply sketched and attached as illustrations to the monograph. The scientist highlights several types of archaeological objects. The article provides a data review about archaeological antiquities of the Jetysu region, gathered by Ch.-E. Ujfalvy in the course of his expedition.

The central geographical position of the Caspian region plays a key role in understanding the historical processes which took place in the territory of Central Asia. One of the important geological factors that influenced the processes of settlement in this region by ancient populations is the transgressive-regressive variability of the Caspian sea level and access to fresh water. There are dozens of Early Holocene sites on the Krasnovodsk Peninsula (Eastern Caspian), most of them being surface complexes. The interpretation of these complexes has so far been controversial due to the lack of stratigraphic context and absolute dating. Purpose. This paper analyzes the techno-typological characteristics of lithic tool assemblages assigned to Early Holocene industries from Eastern Caspian site Sai Djanurpa. The article also discusses the links of how the dynamics of the ancient shores of the Caspian influenced settlement dynamics in the region. Results. The conducted detailed techno-typological analysis of the lithic collection of Sai Djanurpa allowed to discern two distinct complexes. The two complexes defined by different technological and typological characteristics: types of chips, types of tools and metric indicators. The first complex is characterized by the exploitation of chalcedony flint for the production of blades by soft hammer percussion, by borer, end-scraper and retouched flakes in the toolkit. The second complex is associated with the use of chalcedony, sandstone and flint for the production of microbladelets by the pressure technique, from conical and frontal cores. The toolkit of the second set of complexes is characterized by bifacial narrow points, burins, ventral retouched microblades and micro-scrapers. Conclusion. Based on the analysis of the lithic assemblages, the geomorphological position of the site and the paleogeographic condition of the Caspian region, the authors assume that two different populations with two different material cultures inhabited the Sai Djanurpa site during the final Pleistocene - early Holocene and the middle Holocene.

Purpose. Based on the results of the study of materials of the Tartas-1 and Ust-Tartas-1 sites and radiocarbon dating, the article explores the Baraba culture of the early Neolithic era (VII thousand BC, entering the VIII and VI thousand BC). Results. The Neolithic parking lot, studied at Tartas-1, is represented by two structures, a smokehouse and a series of pits for storing fish. A significant number of finds from bone and stone have been found. The ceramic complex is of particular importance. These are flat-bottomed containers, made in the technique of orderly patchwork, using a molding cord on the top of the vessel, and roller-flow around the perimeter of the bottom. The ornament is represented by a complex plot of an asymmetrical composition. The stone industry is characterized as plate-like with a high value of linear technology. The absence of stone arrowheads is characteristic of this. Fish was harvested in pits. At different stages of operation, corpses of different animals were placed inside. The bones of Late Pleistocene fauna have been revealed. The original ritual complex was discovered on the monument of Ust-Tartas-1. Conclusion. In Baraba, the ceramics of Tartas-1 and Ust-Tartas-1 are similar to the ceramics of Autodrome-2/2, which is related to Boborykinskaya culture, direct dating of ceramics attributed to the last quarter 6th - mid 5th thousand BC. The early Neolithic sites of the North with complexes with flat-bottomed utensils date from the end of the 7th - first half of 6th thousand BC. Neolithic flat-bottomed utensils of Western Siberia should be assessed as a phenomenon of general historical and stage nature. The classification of Tartas complexes with flat-bottomed utensils to Boborykinskaya culture is inaccurate and incorrect. The latter appears to be much younger in time. The discoveries of sites with flat-bottomed ceramics allow a completely new idea of the dynamics of historical and cultural processes in the forest and steppe of the Irtysh area.

Purpose. The Stone Age settlement of Amnya I in North-Western Siberia represents the northernmost hunter-gatherer-fisher fort in Eurasia. Dating back to the beginning of the 6th millennium BC, this unique site enables the study of key innovations of the Neolithization process in the taiga zone, such as defensive structures, early pottery, and an increase in polished tools including arrowheads. Results. The Amnya cultural type also includes the nearby Kirip-Vis-Yugan-2 settlement, which shows close similarities with Amnya I in material culture however lacks fortifications. To follow up open questions, work on Amnya type sites was resumed in 2019. Plans of the sites, their layout and stratigraphy were clarified, and first palaeoenvironmental data was received. Radiocarbon dating of stratified contexts at Amnya I confirmed its Early Neolithic age. The settlement of Amnya II located just 50 m east of the fortifications was also dated. Originally attributed to later, Eneolithic times, the two new AMS dates date back to the beginning of the 6th millennium BC, indicating that Amnya I and II existed broadly contemporaneously. Palaeoenvironmental studies based on drillings in the adjacent peat bog show that at the time of settlement at Amnya I and II open water existed on the south of the hill fort, and the Amnya River was flowing on the north side. Thus, this place was comfortable for living and provided good conditions for fishing. Botanical macro-remains from cultural layers at Amnya I show that during the existence of the settlement, along with pine, deciduous trees - birch and alder, have grown in the area of the site, indicating a warmer climate, compared to current conditions. Conclusion. The studied archaeological settlements show the case of Neolithic innovations which testify to formation of special social structures and, most likely, appearance of the new population in the taiga zone of Western Siberia at the turn of 7th - 6th millennium BC.

Purpose. The article presents results of new research at one of the most prominent Early Neolithic enclosed settlements in the North of Western Siberia - the stronghold of Kayukovo-2, which is characterized by a regular architectural plan with one central and five surrounding buildings, pottery of a specific shape and type, including flat as well as conical bases and complex ornamentation, and an original complex of stone artefacts. Results. In 2018, the investigation of building structure no. 4 was continued; for the reconstruction of the paleolandscape, soil samples were investigated in the adjacent peatland, new radiocarbon dates were obtained, and analyses of the material complex represented by fragments of ceramics, products from clay-like raw materials and clay, stone artefacts, and clusters of small bone fragments was carried out. Building no. 4 was identified as a semisunken dwelling structure with a hearth in the centre, a small connecting corridor to building no. 7, and a link to the large central building no. 6. In 2019, new trenches confirmed the existence of a ditch circumscribing the settlement complex. Palaeoenvironmental research shows that during the period of use of the site, the closest water body was located c. 100 m from the terrace shore. The radiocarbon dates available up to now indicate a time of functioning of the ancient settlement in the first centuries of the 6th millennium cal BC. The ceramic material belongs to the complex of early flat-based hunter-gatherer pottery of Western Siberia, a tradition which probably spread from the Baraba forest-steppe and the Ishim region to the Northern Trans-Urals around 6000 cal BC. Conclusion. The reasons for the emergence of the northernmost fortified settlements in Eurasia among hunter-gatherer communities with complex architecture and specific ceramics, the role of internal socio-cultural mechanisms and external influences, and environmental factors in their formation continue to be under discussion and require further research.

Purpose. The history of the study of the Neolithic site with flat-bottomed ceramics of the Trans-Urals and Western Siberia is considered. Until the end of the 20th Century, such complexes in the region were correlated with the Boborykino culture. The formation of ideas about the main components of this culture determined the essence of the first two stages of the study of culture (from 1961 to the first decade of the 20th Century). Results. At the first stage, in the publications of K. V. Salnikov and L. Ya. Krizhevskaya, the characteristic features of the newly identified culture are defined: flat-bottomed ceramics with original ornaments and the microlithic character of flint inventory; the chronological positions of the culture are determined by the Eneolithic - Early Bronze Age. At the second stage, in the publications of V. T. Kovaleva and her colleagues, the Boborykino culture is assigned to the second stage of the development of ceramic ornamental traditions of the Neolithic Trans-Urals. The culture dates from the third quarter of the 6th - the first quarter of the 4th millennium BC. Initially, the autochthonous line of development of this culture from the early Neolithic Koshkino culture was substantiated. However later the alien character of this culture as a result of migration in the Trans-Urals of the early agricultural population of the Near East and the Caucasus began to be declared. At the third stage, by researching new archaeological sites in the Baraba forest-steppe and Middle Ob region, the age of archaeological sites with flat-bottomed ceramics was raised to the 7th - 6th millennium BC; the difference between local ceramics and Boborykino complexes was shown. The comprehension of sites with flat-bottomed ceramics of the period 7th - 6th millennium BC began as a new independent cultural-chronological phenomenon in the Neolithic of the Trans-Urals and Western Siberia. Conclusion. A version of the autochthonous origin of the Baraba culture is expressed. However, migration theories of the appearance of such archaeological sites in the north of Eurasia in their variations can also be discussed.

Purpose. The aim of the work is to analyze the chronology of Neolithic complexes containing flat-bottomed ceramics in the European part of Russia and the Ural-Siberian region, as well as an attempt to highlight patterns in the development of Neolithic Ural-Siberian cultural traditions amidst complexes with flat-bottomed ceramics of the Volga region. Results. Researches of Baraba culture of the early Neolithic of Western Siberia: Tartas-1, Ust-Tartas-1, Vengerovo-2, with radiocarbon dates 8th - 7th thousand BC made it possible to readdress the problem of complexes with flat-bottomed ceramics, especially in the Trans-Ural region and Western Siberia and, perhaps, to reconsider some established points of view. One of the first centers of the autochthonous origin of the Neolithic at the end of VIII - beginning of VII millennium BC is the Baraba cultural tradition of the West Siberian forest-steppe. Also, the autochthonous center for the origin of the Neolithic was the territory of the Northern Caspian region and the Lower Volga region in the first half of the 7th millennium BC. In the middle of the 7th millennium BC in the Volga-Urals region, due to direct migration of the population from the territory of the Aral-Caspian, an Elshan cultural tradition appears. In the second half of the 7th millennium BC the Neolithic of the Trans-Urals is being formed. Technology of Koshkino and Kozlovo cultural pottery traditions was most likely borrowed from the population of the Aral-Caspian, relations with which have been established since the Mesolithic. Conclusion. The obtained results give grounds to identify several centers of origin of the Neolithic in the territories of European Russia, the Urals and Western Siberia with flat-bottomed ceramics at the end of 8th - first half of 7th millennium BC and round-bottom ceramics in the middle of the 7th millennium BC. The oldest among them are sites of the Baraba forest-steppe.

Purpose. The article outlines three large provinces on the Asian territory of Russia which determine morphology of Neolithic ceramic ware (Amour River region and border areas of Far East and Pacific Ocean islands; Trans-Baikal region and Eastern Siberia, Western Siberia). Western Siberia is a territory where, in the Neolithic Age, such traditional shapes as round-, point- and flat-bottomed ones were spread. At the same time, inside the region, two areas - Western (trans-Ural and North-Western regions of Barabinskaya forest-steppe) and Eastern (Barabinskaya forest-steppe, high Ob area, including forest-steppes of Altai, and its foothills, and Kuznetsk basin) are outlined. If in the western part two traditions have been determined, in the eastern part, only one tradition - round-bottomed ceramic ware, has been found so far. Morphological specifics of ceramic assemblages of the Neolithic in the trans-Ural region caused a polemic in solving the issue of their cultural and chronological attribution. The stratified sites of Andreevskaya Lake System were the base of the main line of reasoning. The article presents a critical analysis bringing into question the use of stratified sites of Andreevskaya Lake System Neolithic as the reference. Results. The article suggests that the research of Taiga area sites, in particular Kondinskaya lowland, is the best approach to solve the main issues of flat-bottomed Neolithic of trans-Ural region in the actual conditions. In spite of its poor state of knowledge, the North of Western Siberia shows a relative stability of cultural tradition development. Synchronic and diachronic aspects of a zoned existence of round, pointed and flat bottomed Neolithic ceramic assemblages in the Taiga zone of Western Siberia is presented. Conclusion. The paper analyses the stratigraphic situations on the sites and objects in North-West Baraba (Tartas-1, Ust-Tartas, Avtodrom-1 and 2) which proves the early age of the Neolithic assemblages with flat-bottomed ware. This allowed to draw the conclusion about the identical development processes in the Neolithic of Trans-Ural and Baraba.

Purpose. The earliest sites with different variants of flat-bottomed ceramics in the forest zone of Trans-Urals and Western Siberia date back to the 7th - the beginning of the 6th millennium BC. To understand the process of neolithization, it is important to ascertain the succession of their lithic industries with previous Mesolithic. Results. A review of the Early Neolithic stone inventory reveals two distinct areas in the forest zone. The northern one (Lower Ob, Surgut Ob and Konda basin) is characterized by three technologies: direct percussion flaking and block-on-block knapping of quartz, with inexpressive rarely retouched tools such as scrapers and scaled pieces; percussion-abrasive technique for polished knives, arrowheads, adzes and axes; punch technique for flint inset bladelets, without any arrowheads. Although investigated Mesolithic sites are not numerous in this area, it is clear that the first two technologies arose in the North since that time, when the microblade technique was the dominant one. Lithic assemblages of Early Neolithic settlements in the southern forest zone (Middle Trans-Urals) are generally analogous to the local Mesolithic. The latter included the microblade industry similar to the northern one but supplemented by polished axes. In the Early Neolithic it was completed by arrowheads (tanged points). The inventory of Early Neolithic sites in the Ob-Irtysh forest-steppe region with similar flat-bottomed ceramics almost exclusively contains the flint blade industry resembling the Mesolithic one of the area. Conclusion. Therefore, it is possible to trace traditions and innovations in stone-processing based on three groups of features. These are the types of available stone raw material and their own appropriate technologies, the preservation degree of microblade industry, the nomenclature and typology of implements. According to these traits, in each of the three districts, the Early Neolithic stone industry inherited traditions of the local Mesolithic, but developed in its own way.

Purpose. The article presents the results of a study of technological and morphological characteristics of stone tool collections from the Early Neolithic settlement assemblages of Barabinsk forest-steppe containing flat-bottomed ware - Avtodrom-2, Avtodrom-2/2, Staryi Moskovsky Trakt-5 settlements. The results of a mineralogical study of the raw materials has been used. The objects of all considered collections have been proven to be identical (lithic cores, flakes, blades, perforators, sandstone abrasives, polished axes; in the absence of primary flakes and arrow points). Similarities of three sites have been found in preferable raw material (silty sandstone and other metamorphic rocks, flint, opal) in primary technology (prismatic lithic core), big amount of microblades, predominance of regular end-scrapers made from flakes, big abrasives. Results. A difference in the predominant retouch location in a special work of blades: ventral (Avtodrom-2/2, SMT-5 - up to 60 %) and dorsal (Avtodrom-1 - 61 %). The specifics of the stone industries in Baraba Neolithic settlements with flat-bottomed ceramic ware can be clearly seen in comparison with local assemblages of Artynskaya culture (late Neolithic). In comparison with considered industries, Artynsksya culture (Avtodrom-2/1 settlement) preferred another type of raw material (gray silicified sandstone), bigger role of counterstrike knapping, larger blades, clear predominance of dorsal retouch in treatment of blade tools, and differences in object classification (series of arrow points, scrapers of occasional forms, knives on large blades, stone club knobs). Conclusion. The obtained results do not contradict the idea of cultural and chronological unity of all settlements in Barabinsk forest-steppe with flat-bottomed Neolithic ware. Comparative and typological analysis of stone industries of all Neolithic assemblages with flat-bottomed ceramic ware in the Ural-West Siberian region is still advantageous, yet an undeveloped approach taking into account their polemical cultural and chronological attribution.

Purpose. Materials published here describe findings on the ancient settlement Barsova Gora II/9b (located 7 km to the west of Surgut city on the right bank of the Ob river). Over the 5 years of excavations, the remains of structures from different time periods were uncovered and studied, among which 5 seated below grade square and rectangular dwellings stand out. Results. Original flat-bottomed pottery, clay ornamented bars and a spherical pommel have been found inside these dwellings. Clay bars were probably used as spatulas for smoothing dishes, skin scrapers. Among stone tools, polished ones predominate: chopping tools (axes, adzes, chisels, including grooved ones), lancet-shaped arrowheads and knives, as well as abrasives. Flint tool findings were less common: a few leaf-shaped arrowheads, scrapers and one lithic core. A fragment of a quartz lithic core and about ten quartz flakes were found as well. Among the pottery next to flat-bottomed vessels, there are round-bottomed vessels. Generally pottery is decorated in a variety of ways - drawn, impaled, using a walking comb stamp, with pits. Among the patterns there appears straight, broken or wavy lines, areas of a walking stamp. Clear geometric shapes are rare. On some pots horizontal compositions are replaced by vertical ones in the lower half of the vessels. Flat bottoms are ornamented with crossed, wavy and other patterns. Conclusion. Incorrect functional identification of the clay bars during first excavations led to initial incorrect dating of the settlement as belonging to the Early Bronze Age. The stratigraphy and radiocarbon dating during the new excavations revealed earlier settlement dates going back to early Neolithic. Some similarities to these structures and settlement type can be found in the ancient settlements of Boborykino and Bystrinsky cultures, Petrovoborsky and Kayukovsky types, settlements of Amnya I and others within the Eneolithic Period as well. However, the settlement of Barsova Gora II/9b is a unique cultural type dating from 6th - early 5th millennium BC.

Purpose. The article is devoted to one of the most debatable problems for the Trans-Ural Neolithic - the chronological correlation of the Boborykino and Koshkino complexes. From the excavations of the settlement Mergen-6 (Lower Ishim River Region), groups of these ceramic vessels from the ditches of dwellings were obtained. This allowed a spatial and chronological comparison. Results. Planographic, stratigraphic analysis of the location of the dwellings and the application of the “ties” method in assessing the spatial distribution of vascular fragments revealed a number of patterns. Morphological features of the indepth part of buildings, interior details and the general relative position of structures (13 objects) indicate a unified architectural strategy and the presence of signs of the spatial organization of the settlement in antiquity - a layout loosely resembling a circular shape. This indicates the synchronization of the functioning of the dwellings. Ceramic vessels of both types lay in the same structures, at the same depths. Also, parts from the same vessels were found in different dwellings (fragments of 40 items). This is another confirmation of the synchronism of buildings and ceramic complexes in them. A comparison of the information with the dates (21 units) obtained from these structures on bone, horn, ceramics, and сharred crust on pottery confirmed these findings. Conclusion. The presented materials testify to the coexistence of the bearers of the Boborykino and Koshkino cultural traditions on the territory of the Lower Ishim River Region in the early Neolithic (the last quarter of the 7th millennium BC).

Purpose. Over the past 40 years, dozens of pit-houses, semi-dugouts, above-ground huts, hearth-like structures, and burial grounds have been investigated on the territory of the Konda River basin. Classification of cultural artifacts is based on stylistic attributes and distinctions of ceramics, while chronology rests on conventional 14C dating. At the present stage, one of the most important tasks is to develop the chronology and periodization of the Neolithic sites located in the Konda River basin. The starting point in the solution of this problem should be the multilayer stratified habitation sites. This paper presents the results of the investigation of Mulymya-3 settlement, which is one of such sites. Results. In 2019, early Neolithic stratified complexes were studied in Mulymya-3 settlement. The excavations of the early buildings revealed that among the predominant artifacts of flat-bottomed dishes, there also were layers of Shoushma and Sumpanya type pottery. The stroke-ornamented ware, i. e. flat-bottomed ceramic dishes with collars and rims, were classified as “Mulymya type pottery”. 14C dating of the soot from a flat-bottomed vessel suggested that the site was more or less continuously occupied between 6 690-6 500 cal. BC. Conclusion: The artifacts from Mulymya-3 settlement made it possible to shift the lower boundary of the Neolithic age in the Konda River basin to earlier dates. A typical feature of the earliest period (6 600 / 6 500 - 3 600 / 3 400 cal. BC) is Mulymya, Shoushma, and Umytinsky type pottery characterized by original traditions of ceramic production. The appearance of pottery in the second third of the 7th millennium BC did not affect the traditional economy of taiga societies. The stone-working technique was based on fracturing technologies (percussion flaking, pressure flaking, chipping, splintering), abrasive processing, and battering. In the 6th millennium BC, the people belonging to Shoushma and Umytinsky cultures started contacting with each other, which can be proved by dishes of both types found in the excavated pit-dwelling in similar stratigraphic conditions. Another proof is the appearance of mixed-looking pottery, in particular dishes of the Sumpanya type. From the end of the 6th millennium, the Shoushma pottery traditions were gradually degrading. From that time and until the turn of the 5th-4th millennia BC the Konda River basin was inhabited by the Umytinsky population. It is probable that those were the people who continued the tradition of making flat-bottomed dishes (Satyginsky / Boborykinsky type pottery).

Purpose. The article discusses the option of possible reconstruction of the residential facility porch in the central part of the Umrevinsky Ostrog (built in 1703). The archaeological studies of this object revealed that this structure had existed prior to the 1760s. It had been assumed earlier that this wooden structure functioned as either a government or judicial office. Such an administrative building was constructed on top of a tall basement. On the one hand, it had traces of a pile-supported, columnar-lined structure based on the several holes for wooden supports. Such holes for piles were located in a rectangular shape next to one of the side ends of the main log-house on top of the basement. On the other hand, one of the pile holes was located far beyond this structure. Results. It can be assumed that the pile hole beyond the structure points to a past support pile of a tall porch of the wooden building on top of the basement. The as-built reconstruction of the porch of such type allowed obtaining additional arguments to support a hypothesis regarding the administrative purpose of the residential facility located in the centre of Umrevinsky Ostrog. Conclusion. Taking into account the government office orientation in relation to the wind diagram, the proposed option of the pile-supported porch structure along with the columnar-lined basement of the “seni” (mud room) has the most favourable aerodynamics ensuring minimal snow accumulation. These characteristics are extremely fitting given the Siberian climatic conditions.

Purpose. The article considers three sabers stored in the Akmola Regional Museum of Local History (inv. No. ГИК 2322/1, ARMLH, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan), National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan (inv. No. KRUM 802, NMRK, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan) and a private collection. The saber from NMRK was found in a destroyed mound in the Shet District, Karaganda Region (Central Kazakhstan). Results. Total lengths of these sabers are: 90.5, 73.0 and 91 cm (including the blade length - 82.2, 66.3 and 82.2. cm, widths in the area of the ricasso are 3.5, 3.4 and 3.5 cm). All three single-edged blades under consideration have a more or less strong curve. The tip of the saber from the private collection has a rib and double edge clips with long pronounced iron ‘tongues’ welded on to the ricasso of the blade. In two cases the ‘tongues’ are decorated with sharp-angled spikes. A rivet attaching the ‘cheeks’ of the hilt is inserted into the hole of the tang blade that is bent sideward (the saber from the private collection has an S-shaped rivet head). The guard has a characteristic ‘boat-shaped’ design. Based on the typological analysis, it was identified that the samples under consideration differ from traditional sabers of the Turkic nomads of Kazakhstan during the Kimak and Kipchak periods (10th - 12th Centuries). Their closest analogues were found on the territory of Southern Siberia and date back to the 13th - 14th Centuries. It is highly possible that the appearance of sabers of this type on the territory of Northern and Central Kazakhstan were associated with the events of the Mongol invasion in the 13th Century and the inclusion of Eastern Dasht-I Kipchak into the Mongol Empire. Conclusion. It seems that the sabers were forged by masters in Southern Siberia and were then brought to Northern and Central Kazakhstan by the Chingizid troops. The small number of long-bladed weapons of the 13th - 14th centuries found on the territory of Kazakhstan determines high scientific value of the considered sabers.

Purpose. This article considers and analyzes certain features of armament and military science of the Siberian Tatar warriors, that are related to the time of campaign into Siberia of the Russian Cossacks troop under the command of ataman Ermak; these features were mentioned and researched according to data of the Russian Siberian chronicle sources by famous scientist, historian of the 18th Century, academician Gerhard Friedrich Müller. Results. It is pointed out, that several parts of the Siberian Tatar ruling elite were familiar with firearm and artillery action, and even tried unsuccessful to use artillery pieces, gained during a previous period in Kazan, against the Cossacks in the course of hostilities. However, there were no skilled artillerists among Siberian Tatars who could fire off their artillery pieces. Quite possibly, effective possession of firearms and artillery ensured the definite military superiority to the Cossacks at the time of military clashes with Siberian Tatar warriors during all time of the Cossack troop campaign into Siberia, led by ataman Ermak. Bitter disagreements and struggle for power, among different groups of Siberian Tatar nobility weaken its confronting of the Cossack troop. Gerhard Friedrich Müller drew on varied informative data, contained in the Russian Siberian annalistic historical sources, where it is described how the campaign of the Cossack troop, led by famous ataman Ermak, via mountain range of the Urals into Western Siberia to the territory of the Tatar Khanate of Siberia. That campaign took place upon the initiative of wealthy merchant clan of the Stroganovs. Conclusion. Several historical events are traced, that are related to the time of this campaign. Several substantive historical reasons are identified, including above all the dissociation among the Siberian Tatar elites, that did not allow to successfully confront the Cossacks in the struggle for preservation of the Tatar Khanate of Siberia.