The History, Localization and Architecture of the Urtamsky Ostrog

Abstract

Purpose. An important direction in the historical and archaeological research of the Siberian ostrogs at this stage is the solution of specific problems associated with the main events of their history. This study is devoted to solving a set of problems related to the history and archaeology of the Urtamsky ostrog in Kozhevnikovsky District of the Tomsk Region: it’s localization, the determination of the foundation date and reconstruction of its architectural appearance, taking into account its transformation over time. Results. Based on the analysis of the written sources, it is proved that the ostrog was founded in 1685, contrary to the point of view in the historiography that the ostrog was established in 1684. Based on the analysis of the written sources, cartographic material and archaeological survey data, a reasoned hypothesis is made about the location of the Urtamsky ostrog on the north-eastern outskirts of the modern village Urtam. Here, material was gathered and artifacts from plundering excavations were collected, indicating the long-term presence of the Russian population in this area. In the course of analyzing the complex of written sources, it was established that the ostrog from the moment of its foundation until the mid-1730s at least once was substantially rebuilt, which resulted in the construction of a new log wall and the replacement of the two corner barn towers with the two gate towers. An analysis of the architectural parameters of the first Urtamsky ostrog showed that the log walls were equal in height to the height of the tower log cabins (about 4 m). Only the roofs of the towers towered above the log wall. At the same time, the towers themselves had a squat appearance and served as barns. Probably, it was this circumstance that prompted S. U. Remezov to depict the Urtamsky ostrog as having no towers, since the towers, neither architecturally nor functionally, did not fully correspond to their classical appearance and purpose. It is possible that the other ostrogs, depicted by S. U. Remezov with no towers, had towers similar to those of the Urtamsky ostrog. Conclusion. The study made it possible to significantly clarify the history of the origin and the reconstruction of the Urtamsky ostrog. The prospects for further research of this object are associated with the archaeological excavations.