Geophysical Studies at the Kushmanskoye (Uchkakar) Fortifi ed Settlement, Kama Basin
Geophysical Studies at the Kushmanskoye (Uchkakar) Fortified Settlement, Kama Basin
DOI: 10.17746/1563-0110.2018.46.1.076-085
I.V. Zhurbin1 and M.G. Ivanova2 1Physical-Technical Institute, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kirova 132, Izhevsk, 426000, Russia 2Udmurt Institute of History, Language and Literature, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lomonosova 4, Izhevsk, 426004, Russia
This article presents the results of interdisciplinary research at the Kushma nskoye (Uchkakar) fortified settlement, dating to the 9th–13th centuries. Using geophysical methods, such as resistivity and magnetometry surveys, groundpenetrating radar, and electrical resistivity tomography, we were able to assess the total area of the site (over 26,000 sq. m), outline its boundaries, evaluate its structure, and reconstruct the layout of all three lines of defensive constructions. Various types of feature were identified: dwellings, utility structures, a group of household- and production-related pits, and the inner fortification line. Excavations, carried out at all parts of the site but covering less than 1 % of its area, supported our preliminary conclusions based on geophysical data. The earliest fortification line, unidentifiable by visual inspection, separates the inner and the middle parts of the site. The prospection survey has revealed the housing plan of the middle and outer parts of the settlement, and the deep features outside the fortified area. The thickness of the cultural layer and its preservation were assessed throughout the site. For the first time at the site associated with the Cheptsa culture, the habitation horizon was revealed outside the fortified area.
