The use of electromagnetic and laser scanning methods at the sites of the Bronze to Early Iron Age transition in the Tura-Pyshma interfluve (Trans-Urals)

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The article introduces into scientific discourse the results of reconnaissance studies of the hillfort of Plamya Sibiri 1, located in the Tura-Pyshma interfluve. The hillfort belongs to the Plamya Sibiri complex of sites located on the right bank of the Tura River; it is attributed to the eastern variant of the Itkul Culture and, within the framework of its chronology, is dated to the end of 8th–7th centuries BC. Geophysical survey (electromagnetic and airborne laser scanning) and excavations of one of the structures have been carried out at the site. During the investigation of the Plamya Sibiri 1 hillfort, materials typical for the sites of the eastern variant of the Itkul Culture were obtained. The remains of a partially surveyed building of frame and pillar structure without a pit, which left a hole in the ground of 0.2–0.4 m in diameter and 0.15–0.3 m in depth, were recorded on the mainland. The buil-ding was surrounded by pits-quarries, which served for taking soil for filling walls. No hearth was found within the investigated part of the structure. Fragments of ceramic vessels with an appearance characteristic to the second type of pottery of the Itkul Culture (Iset Culture, according to V.A. Borzunov) were found in the territory of the structure. The radiocarbon date GV-03320 2865 ± 29 BP (non-calibrated), obtained from the charcoal from the remains of the structure, belongs to the turn of the Bronze and Iron Ages. The first results of electromagnetic and laser scanning have also been obtained. The use of LiDAR to search for large, poorly defined in the landscape structures of the eastern variant of the Itkul Culture has shown its high efficiency. The structures (remains of ditches, ramparts and above ground structures) are well traced under the forest canopy, even despite their minimal parameters in terms of relief. Interesting are the results of electromagnetic scanning, first of all, from the methodological point of view, since not only they show certain features of the layout and architecture of the settlement, but also replenish the experience of using this type of devices in alluvial soils. It was possible to determine that this type of research is effective in terms of detecting anomalies characterizing individual elements of residential and fortification structures, which can be recorded at frequencies associated with the upper horizons — no deeper than frequencies of 13 and 12, which have shown to be the most informative. The issues of dating and cultural affiliation of the monuments of this circle require further research.