Differences Between Early and Late Golden Horde Ceramics from Bolgar Settlement

Abstract

The paper continues a series of investigations on classification and chronology of ceramics from Bolgar settlement. It includes preliminary results of a comparison of common Bolgar ceramics from the early Golden Horde (mid-13th – early 14th cc.) and the late Golden Horde (14th – early 15th cc.) periods. The material was processed using a previously developed method based on a historical and cultural approach. The results of the study demonstrated that the percentage of ceramic subgroups varies in individual excavations, but their general ratio is constant. A comparison with the results of previous studies revealed that the ceramic of subgroup 1a prevails in VI to Late IV strata at all investigated sites. The main difference between the common Bolgar ceramic complex in Early IV and in Late IV strata is that the content of subgroup 2a ceramics significantly decreases in the late stratum, with low firing being one its main characteristics. According to the author, in could partially be related to modifications in kiln construction in the late Golden Horde period, which made the firing process more advanced.

Keywords

• archaeology
• classification
• chronology
• bolgar settlement
• pottery
• ceramics
• golden horde