Abstract

Ancient sanctuaries located on elevated areas became known to archaeologists in the territory of the Kudinskaya Valley (Baikal region) at the end of the 19th century. Their territory is separated from the surrounding area by protective structures -ramparts or ditches. In this regard, they received the name of the fort-sanctuary. Rituals dedicated to heavenly deities were held on their territory. Currently, such archaeological sites are dated within the Ist -beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. In 2019, earth reconnaissance work was carried out at one of the ancient sanctuaries located in the Solyanka area. Unlike other sanctuary settlements, Solyanka is located in the floodplain of the river on a small hill surrounded by a ditch. The diameter of the sanctuary is 36 m. Judging by its geomorphological position, it was probably dedicated to the owner of the Kuda River or the valley along which it flows. To the south of the ancient sanctuary is the modern sanctuary. On it, the Buryat population conducts rites dedicated to “the owner of the area”. In its center there is a wooden pole serge, near which there is a hearth, benches and tables used for the ritual. Keywords: Baikal region, Kuda Valley, ancient fort -sanctuary, ditch, serge, pit work

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