Borzunov V. A.

Key words: fortified settlement, Neolithic, Western Siberia, Trans Urals.
Six stages of the expansion of the fortified settlements in the Old World in the 7th millennium B.C. – 3rd c. A.D. are proposed in the article. The general characteristics of the Neolithic sites and their prototypes of the 6th–4th millennium B.C., which were founded in the taiga of the Western Siberia and Trans Urals, is given. The reasons of their formation are also viewed in the article. The Neolithic forest forts are situated on the promontories, on the edges of terraces and in the depth of the bank. They are protected by pale fences, log walls and ditches. They were built and probably invented by the primitive groups of the taiga fishermen and hunters. The main reason of their invention is separation and consolidation of the relatively free trade zones in the conditions of the influx of immigrants from the south in the period of climatic optimum and fierce competition among the communities.