Archaeological excavations: the venue. Where excavations are taking place in Russia

Archaeological excavation is an autopsy of the earth's surface with the purpose of researching the monuments of the former settlements. Unfortunately, this process leads to a partial destruction of the cultural layer of the soil. Unlike laboratory experiments, the repeated implementation of archaeological excavations of the site is not possible. In order to carry out an autopsy, many states require a special permit. In Russia (and before that in the RSFSR) "open sheets" - the so-called documented consent - are formalized at the Institute of Archeology of the Academy of Sciences. Carrying out such work on the territory of the Russian Federation in the absence of this document is an administrative offense.

Ground for ground penetration

Land cover tends to increase its mass over time, resulting in gradual concealment of artifacts. It is with the purpose of detecting them that an earth layer is opened. The increase in the soil thickness may occur for several reasons:

• The natural accumulation in the soil of organic substances formed, for example, as a result of decay of the remains of dead plants.
• Settlement of cosmic dust on the surface of the earth.
• Accumulation of waste from human activities.
• Transport of soil particles by wind.

Tasks

The main goal pursued by scientists, carrying out archaeological excavations, is the study of the monument of antiquity and the restoration of its significance in the historical process. For a comprehensive, comprehensive study of the cultural layer, it is most preferable that it be fully penetrated to its full depth. In this case, even the interests of a particular archaeologist are not taken into account. However, as a rule, only a partial opening of the monument is carried out because of the high labor intensity of the process. Some archaeological excavations, depending on their complexity, can last for years and even decades. Works can be carried out not only for the purpose of exploring historical monuments. In addition to archaeological, there is another kind of excavation, called "security." In accordance with the law, in Russia they must be carried out before the erection of buildings and various structures. Since otherwise, it is possible that monuments on the construction site will be lost forever.

The course of the study

First of all, the study of the historical object begins with such non-destructive methods as photographing, measurement and description. If there is a need to measure the direction and thickness of the cultural layer, a probe is made, trenches or pits are trenched. These tools also make it possible to search for an object whose location is known only from written sources. However, the use of such methods is of limited use, as they greatly spoil the cultural layer, also of historical interest.

Technology of opening the earth

All stages of research and clearing of historical objects are necessarily accompanied by photographic fixation. Conducting archaeological excavations in the territory of the Russian Federation is accompanied by strict requirements. They are approved in the relevant "Regulations". The document emphasizes the need for drawing up quality drawings. Recently, they are increasingly issued in electronic form with the use of new computer technologies.

Archaeological excavations of Russia

Not long ago, Russian archaeologists published a list of the most important discoveries in 2010. The most significant events in this period were the discovery of a treasure in the city of Torzhok, archaeological excavations in Jericho. In addition, the age of Yaroslavl was confirmed. Dozens of scientific expeditions are equipped every year under the guidance of the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Their research extends throughout the European part of the Russian Federation, at some points in the Asian region of the country and even abroad, for example in Mesopotamia, Central Asia and the Spitsbergen archipelago. According to the Institute Director Nikolai Makarov at one of the press conferences, during 2010 the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences has conducted 36 expeditions. And only half of them were carried out on the territory of Russia, and the rest - abroad. It also became known that approximately 50% of the funding is generated from the state budget, revenues of the RAS and such academic institutions as the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and the Russian Humanitarian Scientific Foundation. While the rest of the resources dedicated to the conservation of archaeological heritage are allocated by investor-developers.

Phanagoria's research

According to N. Makarov, in 2010 there was also a significant shift in the study of ancient monuments. In particular, this refers to Phanagoria, the largest ancient city found on the territory of Russia, and the second capital of the Bosporus kingdom. During this time, scientists studied the buildings of the acropolis, and found a large building, whose age dates from the middle of the IV century BC. E. All archaeological excavations in Fanagoria are conducted under the guidance of the Doctor of Historical Sciences Vladimir Kuznetsov. It was he who identified the found building as a public building, in which once state assemblies were held. A notable feature of this building is the hearth in which a burning fire was previously maintained daily. It was believed that while his flame was shining, the state life of the ancient city would never cease.

Research in Sochi

Another significant event in 2010 was the excavation in the capital of the 2014 Olympics. A group of scientists headed by the doctor of art studies, leading researcher of the Institute of Archeology Vladimir Sedov, conducted research near the construction site of the RZD terminal near the village of Veseloye. Here, later, the remains of the Byzantine temple of the 9th-11th centuries were discovered.

Excavations in the village of Krutik

This is a trade and handicraft settlement of the tenth century, located in the forests of Belozorye in the Vologda region. Archaeological excavations in this area are headed by the candidate of historical sciences Sergey Zakharov. In 2010, 44 coins minted in Central Asia, the caliphate countries and the Middle East were found here. Merchants used them to pay for furs, especially those valued in the Arab East.

Archaeological excavations. Crimea

The historical veil of this territory is lifted largely due to the often occurring research work here. Some expeditions have lasted for many years. Among them: "Kulchuk", "Seagull", "Belyaus", "Kalos-Limen", "Cembalo" and many others. If you want to go to the archaeological site, you can join a group of volunteers. However, as a rule, volunteers have to pay for their stay in the country independently. A huge number of expeditions are conducted in the Crimea, but most of them are short-lived. In this case, the number of the group is small. Studies are carried out by experienced workers and professional archaeologists.