Creative path in science (In memory of Yuliy Sergeyevich Khudyakov)

Abstract

The article examines the scientific biography of the outstanding Soviet and Russian archaeologist and weapons scientist Yuliy Sergeyevich Khudyakov. The main stages of the scientist's scientific career are highlighted, the key directions of his research in the field of studying the military and cultural heritage of the nomads of Central Asia and Southern Siberia of the Ancient, Medieval and early Modern times are identified. The contribution of Y. S. Khudyakov to the development of domestic weapons science in general and to the development of theoretical foundations for the study of nomads' military affairs in particular is analyzed. The thesis is put forward about the existence of a special "Siberian" school of weapons studies, the founder and leader of which can rightfully be considered Yu. S. Khudyakov. It is established that a distinctive feature of the research of representatives of this scientific school is the application of the complex analytical model of the study of military affairs of nomadic ethnic groups and cultures developed by Yu. S. Khudyakov and the principles of classification of weapons corresponding to this model.