The Golden Horde Town of Azak During the Tokhtamysh Reign (1381–1395 сс.)

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of Azak archaeology during the last period of its existence, from the end of the ‘Velikaya zamyatnya’ period and its capture by Tokhtamysh to the Timur’s invasion in September 1395. The turmoil resulted in a reduction of the town area, which was at least 4-fold. All urban peripheral areas were abandoned. But Azak still remained a large center according to the Eastern European standards. Most of the town’s burial grounds stopped operating. The town center retained its layout, including the traditional cobbled streets. The density of urban development probably did not change noticeably. Dugout housing disappeared, but large houses with cellars and warehouses still preserved. The number of utility pits significantly decreased. In some cases, city districts were inhabited by the representatives of the same specialization. There was a qualitative leap in the development of the local pottery craft. The variety of local coinage types reached its maximum. Signs of restoration of trade relations with other regions of the Golden Horde are traced, but they did not return to the pre-crisis level. Actually stable links only remained with Crimea and overseas centers. The rural district of Azak preserved, but nothing definitive can be said about its size during that period. Evidence of Timur’s invasion is poorly traced, which especially concerns the burials of murder victims. At the same time, there is no evidence of continued operation of the town after 1395.

Keywords

• archaeology
• golden horde
• azak
• tokhtamysh
• monetary circulation
• ceramics production
• timur’s invasion