ON THE PROBLEM OF IDENTIFYING SITES OF THE YUAN PERIOD IN PRIMORYE

Abstract

The paper considers archaeological evidences which are used as a basis for identifi cation of Yuan period sites in Primorye of Russia. The authors analyze epigraphic data, layout of so-called Yuan sites, flat and semicylindrical frontal tiles, glass items, glazed pottery, porcelain of cizhou kind and ceramics with low-temperature green glaze. It is concluded that there is no specificity in fortifi cation and structure of cities in Mongol Empire epoch and that distinctive for a number of Mongolian cities and settlements layout is not observed in sites attributed to Yuan period in Primorye. Standards and ornaments of tiles from supposed Yuan sites find full similarity with materials of Jurchen sites both in Primorye and in PRC, including Supreme Capital of Jin Dynasty which has no Yuan layer. Glass beads and ornaments are also specifi c for Jurchen sites of Jin and Eastern Xia. Cizhou porcelain and green glazed ware found in Primorye cannot be considered as a marker of Mongols’ presence in this territory. An analysis of historical data demonstrates that during the most of the XIII century Jurchen in Primorye and in adjacent areas of Northeast China kept their own statehood and were ruled by Mongol Empire remotely as a vassal state. It is proposed to use radiocarbon dating more correctly, which have a wide range, and may even directly contradict the material.

Keywords

• archaeology
• primorye
• yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
• jin dynasty (1115–1234)
• eastern xia state (1215–1233)
• city sites
• settlements
• glass ornaments
• glazed pottery
• cizhou porcelain