DEFENSE CONSTRUCTIONS OF FORT UMREVINSKY (Based on 2002–2004 Archaeological Excavations)

Abstract

Fort Umrevinsky is an example of the type of military architecture that reflects the early Russian colonization of the Upper Ob. The fort was built during the initial period of the Russian Empire's annexation of southwestern Siberia. The results of archaeological excavations indicate that the defense constructions of the fort include the outer and the inner walls, a moat, an angle tower, a palisade, and a platform. Two construction periods have been determined, dating to the early 1700 s and to 1730–1734. The latter period is marked by the construction of the angle tower, accompanied by rituals indicated by the presence of a foundation burial and a coin. By the late 18th cent., the defense structures had fallen into ruin and the fort was subsequently used as a cemetery.