Фортификация городища Верхний Салтов

Abstract

Fortifications of the early Middle Ages Verkhniy Saltov hillfort presented an echeloned system of defense. In their design the erected fortifications combined traditional building skills of Saltov population with the methods worked out during their residence in the Severskiy Donets valley. A synthesis of traditional methods and innovated approaches while fortifying the Verkhniy Saltov fortress was prompted by the nature of available building materials and the goals of defense strategy which were to be achieved with the consideration of the expected enemy’s ways of warfare. Accordingly, the outer lines of hillfort fortifications were built by the fosse - rampart principle, and ground and wood were used as the basic building material. The citadel was the most strengthened part of the fortress. Its defensive structures were made of stone though, they were of the same construction type: the tosse the rampart.