Treasures of the 10th – 13th Centuries from Materials of Soldirsky I Hillfort Idnakar

Abstract

Treasures were discovered during archaeological research of the Idnakar hillfort in 1976–1999. Two treasures were found on the middle square of the hillfort. The third treasure was found on the territory of internal fortifications, another one – outside the middle line of fortifications. Patterns in the location of the treasures relative to the planning objects are not revealed. The nature of the complexes is diverse. In general, jewelry dominates. Two treasures contain metal ingots and unfinished products. This indicates their local production. A treasure containing imported vessels is an important source for the analysis of trade and economic relations of the medieval population of the Cheptsa River Basin. Jewelry from treasures is dated to the period of 10th –13th centuries. Similar products were found in the materials of medieval monuments of the Finno-Ugric population of Eastern Europe. Data on the elemental composition of metal products from treasures are published. Metal research was carried out by Bazhen Evgenievich Pushkarev, Candidate of Technical Sciences (Scientific Center for Metallurgical Physics and Materials Science, Udmurt Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). Earrings and ritual bowls were made of silver. Pendants, jewelry items and metal ingots were made of copper alloys (pure copper, bronze, brass). Alloy formulations vary, which is typical of the medieval metal of the Cheptsa River Basin.

Keywords

• archaeology
• the cheptsa river basin
• middle ages
• idnakar hillfort
• treasures
• jewelry
• eastern vessels
• elemental composition of metal