Problem of Re-building the Ancient Rus Fortifications at Starokyivska Mountain in Middle of 17th Century

Abstract

Archaeological research of the fortifications at Starokyivska Mountain present a series of cases where two parallel or almost parallel rows of moats and embankments are recorded.

A smaller moat with abrupt sides and a wide moat with rounded bottom and big circumferences situated outside the smaller moat are recorded in all cases. No scholar questioned the first moat’s dating by the Ancient Rus period, while the outer moat was dated in different ways: by the Ancient Rus period, by the modern period, or being used in both periods. To the author’s opinion, the outer moat belonged only to the modern era, though it cannot be excluded that an older moat, re-built and widened, could lay on its way in certain places.

Existing of two parallel moats dated by different stretches testify that part of Ancient Rus moats were filled in and part of embankments was dismounted by the period from 1650s to 1670s; therefore, the Starokyivska fortress’ builders dug a new moat and raised a new embankment. Besides, the modern period fortification’s perimeter is bigger than the Ancient Rus one; this is caused by an attempt to fully use the natural conditions of Starokyivska Mountain, as well as to create the fortifications corresponding the up-to-date military norms: straight wall sections with sharp turns.

Places where the Ancient Rus and the modern periods fortification lines coincide are recorded. These are the places where the conditions at Starokyivska Mountain are used to the limit both in the period from the 10^th to the 13^th centuries, and in the 17^th century. It was also decided in the modern period to use favourably designed Golden and the Liadski Gates. The comparison of 1750 plan of Kyiv with today city plan and the usage of archaeological research data allowed the author to clarify the places where the 10^th century, the 11^th—13^th, and the 17^th and 18^th centuries fortification structures were built. It will be useful in future research of various periods fortifications in Upper Kyiv.