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SPECIALLY MADE STONE PLATFORMS IN A MOUNTAIN FORTRESS NORTH KHAKASIA
Abstract
Khakass-Minusinsk Basin is known due to a large number of archaeological objects of different types and ages. Among them there are mountain fortresses which were called «sve» by indigenous people. The fortresses were used in the Middle Ages and the early Modern period. Quite a number of fortresses were built at the confluence of the Belyi and Chernyi Yus Rivers in the north of Khakassia. They could have protected a very important object presumably located in the square made by the valley called Albany on the right bank of the river Chernyi Yus. A similar situation can be seen in medieval Koguryo, where the capital Pyongyang was also surrounded by mountain fortresses located in strategic places in order to defend the capital, no matter whichever side the enemy could appear from. The Khakass people often used high and steep (usually rock) breaks on the slopes and tops of the mountains for defensive purposes. Artificial defensive stone walls, usually made of Devonian sandstone slabs, were erected only in the areas of the mountains with a possibility of relatively easy access to the area. Defensive walls were raised on the slopes of mountains and hills with the edges of cliffs being parts of the wall. We analyze the ways and means by which the ancient builders converted a protected area, especially on the slopes, into a reliable surface for defense. In the course of our field research of 2012–2013 in the area of three «sve» – Onlo, Kyzyl Haya and Paas, we located specially made stone platforms built on the slopes. They had vertical walls with a flat area on the top. In all three cases, the platforms were situated at the perimeter of the defense line. We identified new methods of refining the terrain while creating «sve», which did not previously receive coverage in scientific literature. Built on the slopes of mountain fortresses, the stone platforms could serve only for the purpose of defense. It is an important contribution to studying military history of the peoples of Southern Siberia and Central Asia in different time periods including the Middle Ages.
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