Vladimir Yu. Koval^1,*, Elena L. Kostyleva^2,**

¹Institute of Archaeology RAS, Moscow, Russia
²Ivanovo State University, Russia

*E-mail: kovaloka@mail.ru
**E-mail: elkos-ty-le-va@mail.ru

Keywords: archaeology, medieval Rus, fortification, wooden and earthen walls, modern reconstructions, preservation of archaeological sites.

As a result of salvage excavations of the passage in the fortress rampart of the early 15th century it was found that the rampart of the late medieval city of Lukh presents the ruins of a strong wooden and earthen structure made of log walls filled with various soil. The wall was up to 5 m high and at least 12 m wide. The passage in rampart may have a later origin. No traces of the expected tower have been found there. Nevertheless, after the completion of the excavation on the rampart, a “model” structure was constructed following the design of the Siberian fortresses of the 17th century, which has no connection to the actual fortifications of medieval Lukh. It is concluded that it is inexpedient to design the reconstruction of ancient fortifications prior to archaeological excavations of ramparts and ditches in strict accordance with the recommended methodology for such research.

DOI: 10.31857/S086960630009345-8