Fedorina A.N., Krasnikova A.M.
Key words: Suzdal Opolye, medieval settlement, Bolshoye Davydkovskoye 2, chronology,
development of area.
The article is devoted to Bolshoye Davydkovskoye 2 settlement in the Suzdal Opolye. The settlement is among the best-studied ones in the region, with many surface finds and 865 sq. m of excavations. Analysis of the artifact and pottery assemblages, the radiocarbon dates and the stratigraphic observations allows identifying three periods of domestic and economic activity: late 10th – 11th cc. (probably until its second quarter), the 12th c. (mainly first half to middle), and second half of the 12th – 13th cc. There is a chronological gap in economic activity at the excavated part of the site, dating to the second half of the 11th – early 12th cc. The area of the initial settlement in the eastern part of the site was at least 3 ha. By the second period, development extended to the area near the river, whereas materials from the third chronological period can be found throughout the settlement area. Thus, Bolshoye Davydkovskoye 2 was a large settlement which was characterized by dynamic development and functioned for at least 300 years.