History and Culture: Remains of 5th-8th cc. fortifications discovered by State Hermitage archaeological expedition in Palkino district

The remains of 5th-8th cc. fortifications have been discovered by Verkhnedvinsk archaeological expedition of the State Hermitage in Palkino district (Pskov).

Senior research fellow of the State Hermitage, the head of the expedition, Boris Korotkevich said that the excavations have been carried out in the early medieval settlement by Borokhnovo village, Palkino district.

“The settlement was previously explored by Pskov archaeologist Boris Kharlashov (Deputy Director of Pskov State Museum-Reserve). It has attracted us, firstly, by the fact that in the close vicinity (Palkino district) the settlement whose history dates back to 5th - 8th cc. is the only one. And, secondly, settlements of that time are little-studied”, Boris Korotkevich clarified. He said that this settlement was used as a shelter.

During the excavations archaeologists have found remains of a defensive wall, which was destroyed by the fire. “Such structures have never been studied so far, and our study is unique – it is the first. And we can already say that the construction is original. There is already a number of riddles, which we hope to solve eventually”, added the head of the archaeological expedition.