Bolshie Algashi Hillfort in the Lower Sura Region

Abstract

The article presents the results of the study of the hillfort at Bolshie Algashi village (Chuvashia, Russia) conducted in 2016–17. The study provides new data on the cultural and economic dynamics in the region during the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. A mixed group of Khula-Syuch and Chirki population can be identified as pastoralists and, probably, also farmers, who developed floodplains and forestless landscapes of the elevated riverbanks. Our research, therefore, provides evidence of almost the oldest farming activity episode in the lower reaches of the Sura River. The Early Iron Age occupation of the site is associated with the Andreevka-Piseraly population, who used the site mostly for its military functions.

Keywords

• archаeology
• Early Iron Age
• Andreevka-Piseraly type
• Middle Bronze Age
• Chirki-Balanovo type
• reconstruction of economic activity
• phytolith analysis
• anthracological analysis
• early farming