Trading Hub Research Articles

Reflecting on the 1775 Mount Gamalama Eruption: Lessons from Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development in Ternate Island, North Maluku Province, Indonesia

The volcanic Molucca islands have provided the world with their precious cloves, which have been highly valued in medicinal properties for millennia. Cloves have antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic characteristics. They were considered silver bullet cures in medieval epidemics and the early COVID-19 pandemic response. Cloves originated from Ternate Island, the center and regional trade hub of the Molucca Islands. Its cloves had reached Babylonia 4,000 years ago, marking its importance in global trade. Qualitative research was conducted on the 1775 Mount Gamalama eruption's impact on indigenous knowledge development. To confirm the findings, I conducted field visits, key informant interviews, field observations, and a literature review. Tolire Lake is an apparent landmark in Takome village, which has a sacred white crocodile, a java plum hill, a lush forest, stunning landscapes, and an underwater mythical village. The residents are testaments to human resilience, preserving indigenous knowledge and turning it into disaster risk reduction tools. They built settlements on safer ground and designated parts areas for conservation-based tourism. In addition, modern science introduction enhances disaster early warning and alert systems and empowers indigenous communities. Understanding indigenous knowledge and wisdom is critical to building resilience and sustainability through disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. Indigenous knowledge produces lessons in environmental protection, social justice, and economic growth. The world can learn from indigenous and scientific knowledge combined to sustain the island, its people, and its prosperity.

Global supply chain drivers of water use in Sub-Saharan Africa: Taking Ghana as a case

Local water use is significantly affected by distant economies through global supply chains. Ghana is one of the largest trade hubs in sub-Saharan Africa, and large amounts of Ghana's water use are embodied in international exports. Previous studies have made efforts to evaluate direct water use in Ghana but overlooked nations and sectors indirectly driving Ghana's water use. This study explored global supply chain drivers of Ghana's water use during 2012–2021, based on the global environmentally extended multi-regional input-output (EE-MRIO) model. Results revealed that the total water use of Ghana was 9790 million m3 (Mm3) during this period. About 39% of Ghana's water use is attributed to foreign consumption and more than 12% is driven by the US and the UK. The domestic and foreign demand for the products of the “spices and pharmaceutical crops” sector is an important sectoral driver of Ghana's water use. From the supply side, domestic primary inputs account for 93.1% of the national water use whereas only 6.9% is attributed to foreign primary inputs. The domestic sectoral suppliers are mainly the “spices, and pharmaceutical crops” and “wholesale and retail trade” sectors. The critical foreign nations from the supply side are China and Cote d’Ivoire, enabling 88.5 Mm3 and 59.0 Mm3 of Ghana's water use respectively. Demand-side initiatives (i.e., consumer tax and education) and supply-side measures (i.e., efficient water use compliance) should be integrated with existing production-side policies to regulate sub-Saharan Africa's water use.

Factors influencing wildmeat trade in Guyana and expected changes in the context of the oil-related development prospects

The recent offshore oil discovery in the Guiana Shield is expected to bring about significant changes to the area, such as increased GDP per capita, infrastructure development, and urbanization. The potential impact on the wild meat trade depends on factors influencing its demand and provision. Through interviews and group discussions with trade chain stakeholders in all towns of Guyana, we evaluate wildmeat trade sector and explored predicted changes on it in 2033 with the prospects for short term oil-related development. The most traded species in Guyana included paca, white-lipped peccary, deer, tapir and capybara and a total of 38.46 % (5 out of 13) of the taxa being traded is classified as threatened of extinction. Regions with higher population size and GDP per capita, are the main trade hubs for wildmeat. Access to improved preservation methods (e.g. freezers) and motorized transportation options (eg.: boat with engines and vehicles) significantly influence higher volumes of wildmeat traded. The economic growth anticipated in Guyana is expected to boost population growth and, by the same time, wildmeat demand in urban areas. Concomitantly, with improved infrastructure and increased access to electricity, wildmeat provision will be facilitated across a wider catchment area. Based on the assumption that cultural patterns shaping wildmeat demand and environmental regulations will likely not change at the same rapid path as economic growth in the next ten years, we predict wildmeat trade volumes to increase to 10,280 tons/year by 2033. We identify three main opportunities to ensure a sustainable wildmeat sector in the context of the economic boom: First, the sector requires to be well regulated through a licensing and a quota system that can be adequately enforced. Second, efforts to curve demand on the Coast need to be strengthened based on well designed and culturally adapted behaviour change campaigns. Third, local communities and indigenous people need to be empowered to protect and conserve their territories and wildlife resources, in particular with the authority to exclude illegal hunters.

Zoonoses Tuberculosis Risk from Non-Human-Primate Trade and Movement: Preventive Measure Perspective

The trade in non-human primates (NHPs) is economically profitable in both local and global markets. However, it also poses a significant threat of disease transmission between NHPs and humans, particularly zoonotic tuberculosis, which is frequently reported in NHPs. Due to the high similarity between NHPs and humans, they share many pathogens. As a potential hub for NHP trade, Indonesia needs to enhance its knowledge and preventive measures to manage tuberculosis transmission related to NHPs trade and movement. Legislation at both international and national levels has been established to address the prevention of tuberculosis infection from NHPs. In addition to legislative measures, effective prevention also relies on implementing screening and detection protocols, as well as maintaining good biosecurity practices during handling NHPs.

Evaluating the Impact of Private Sector Participation on Operational Efficiency in Container Terminals: A Case Study of Colombo Port

Sri Lanka, strategically located in South Asia, has the potential to become a significant hub for international maritime trade. However, the current port infrastructure, particularly in Colombo, faces capacity constraints that limit its ability to accommodate larger vessels and manage increasing container traffic. This study evaluates the impact of private sector participation on the operational efficiency of Colombo’s container terminals - Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), and Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT). Using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the study found that private sector involvement significantly enhances terminal efficiency. SAGT, a privately operated terminal, exhibited the highest overall efficiency, while CICT demonstrated the highest productivity. JCT, though publicly operated, showed commendable performance but lagged behind the private terminals. The findings emphasize the value of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in optimizing port operations, offering critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to strengthen Sri Lanka’s maritime economy.

Antibiotic Resistance Hotspot: Comparative Genomics Reveals Multiple Strains of Multidrug-Resistant Citrobacter portucalensis in Edible Snails.

The demand for terrestrial snails as a food source is still on the increase globally, yet this has been overlooked in disease epidemiology and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study conducted genomic analyses of twenty Citrobacter portucalensis strains isolated from live edible snails traded in two hubs. The isolates were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS, antimicrobial resistance testing, whole genome sequencing, and analyses for in-depth characterization. The findings disclosed that seventeen strains across the two trading hubs were distinct from previously reported ones. Four isolates were found to share the same sequence type (ST881). Genome-based comparison suggests a clonal transmission of strains between snails traded in these hubs. All the isolates across the two hubs harbored similar variety of antimicrobial resistance genes, with notable ones being blaCMY and qnrB. Sixteen isolates (80%) expressed phenotypic resistance to second-generation cephalosporins, while eleven isolates (55%) exhibited resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. This report of multi-drug-resistant C. portucalensis strains in edible snails highlights significant concerns for food safety and clinical health because of the potential transmission to humans. Enhanced surveillance and stringent monitoring by health authorities are essential to evaluate the impact of these strains on the burden of antimicrobial resistance and to address the associated risk.

Shabran Ancient Settlement: Architecture and Historical Significance of Azerbaijan

The article delves into the historical significance of modern Azerbaijan, particularly in terms of civilization formation. The author highlights the importance of architectural artifacts, fortified cities, and fortresses within the Shabran district. Special attention is given to defensive structures like the Shabran Hill Fort, which dates back to early Middle Ages. The article analyzes historical and archaeological data concerning the city emergence and development, outlines the military-strategic and economic significance of the territory alongside its water supply and trade features.Purpose: Study and analysis of archaeological, historical and architectural properties of the Shabran settlement as well as its role in the Azerbaijan history.Research findings: The author examines the city transition from a regional hub of crafts and trade into a small village, followed by its eventual destruction due to recurrent raids. Research identifies the influence of Sassanid Iranian architecture on the initial Shabran development, studies the history, and discoveries is link with the city. Particular focus on the architectural characteristics and construction of fortresses and castles unearthed after archaeological excavations.Value: The significance of research is in comprehending the historical and cultural context of urban development in Azerbaijan.

Superdiversity, fluidity and flexibility: translanguaging practices and grassroots multilingualism in an international trade hub in China

ABSTRACT Drawing upon a sociolinguistic ethnography of a global market town in Yiwu, China, this study seeks to add theoretical depth and empirical breadth to the notions of translanguaging and grassroots multilingualism in ‘globalisation from below’. The data shows that superdiversity, fluidity and flexibility are key features of language practices in the business community, where private traders discarded the boundaries between different languages and deployed various linguistic features as translanguaging practices for the purposes of networking, meaning-making and bringing in more business. By valuing the functionality of languages and embracing a ‘non-standard’ language ideology, the traders resisted the linguistic ‘rule’ and ‘norm’ imposed by the mainstream society and in the meanwhile, articulating the value of grassroots multilingualism in the localised context. More importantly, the translangugaing practices were multisemiotic, multisensory and multimodal in nature, which helped traders overcome the negative effective of language superdiversity and contributed to their confident conclusion of ‘no communication problem’ in the market. Implications for language policy making and community-based training are discussed at the end of the article.

The city of Orik in the Writings of Ancient Authors and Archaeological Records

The ancient Illyrian port city of Orik, located in what is now Albania, was an important maritime and Cultural Centre in the Adriatic region. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of all available ancient textual evidence of Orik, tracing its evolution from the 5th century BCE to late antiquity. The examination of these written sources is crucial for reconstructing the history and topography of Orik, which cannot be fully identified only by archaeological data. The main purpose of the study is to systematically identify, collect, and analyse every mention of Orik in ancient studies, including the studies of Herodotus, Pseudo-Skilax, Strabo, Titus Livius. To obtain precise and objective conclusions, a rigorous methodology was applied, which includes source criticism, comparative analysis, and correlation with archaeological data. The study provides valuable information about the evolution of Orik’s functions and status over time, its fortifications, economic activities, religious objects, and more. It allows for tracing how the knowledge of ancient geographers about this border town developed and how Greco-Roman authors portrayed it in their narratives. The most innovative contribution of the study is the first comprehensive investigation of the entire body of textual evidence about Orik. This holistic synthesis enables a deeper reconstruction of this influential Adriatic settlement. The results enhance understanding of ancient Illyria and the complex dynamics of its Hellenization. They are beneficial for related research and education. Overall, by systematically collecting and critically analysing all available ancient sources, this study offers a multi-layered portrait of Orik as a strategic Greek colony, Illyrian stronghold, maritime trade hub, and crossroads of cultural fusion in the Adriatic.

Navigating ethnic capital and ethnic penalty: Chinese Muslim internal migrants in an international trade hub

ABSTRACT This article investigates how Chinese Hui Muslim internal migrants navigate the complexities of ethnic capital and ethnic penalty in their engagement with China-Arab international trade. On one hand, Hui Muslims leverage Arabic language learning opportunities within their community and benefit from religious affinity with foreign Muslims, enhancing their employment and entrepreneurial prospects. On the other hand, they face discrimination from the Han majority, Arab Muslims, and non-Muslim foreigners. Women, seen as “submissive” and “trustworthy”, find more expanded employment opportunities as interpreters for Arab merchants but face overt discrimination due to their Muslim attire. Notably, the Hui’s ethnic capital in the international trade market has diminished in recent years due to Arab merchants’ globalization efforts, such as adopting English for communication. This study contributes to the understanding of Chinese Muslims’ experiences in upward mobility amidst regional disparities and economic globalization.

Ottoman diplomacy in Greece: the case of Syros, 1830–1900

The island of Syros in the Cyclades almost spontaneously emerged in 1830 as a prominent transit and trade hub for Greece and the Ottoman Empire. The present work is an attempt to conduct a deductive reading on the impressive number of documents produced by the Ottoman Consulate General of Syros (şehbenderlik) records to answer two interrelated questions: (I) how the Ottoman Empire engaged with its former territory and (II) what kind of diplomatic tools the Sublime Porte used to deal with the security challenges it perceived emerging in the Eastern Mediterranean after the establishment of the Hellenic Kingdom in 1830. Delimiting a definition of illegality during the Age of Mobility in the Middle East, the states depended on one another to control and define the movements of illegality but paradoxically refused to cooperate. Frustrated, the Ottoman Empire, appropriated from European international legal thought, acted in typical nineteenth-century imperial coerciveness and considered using force to occupy Syros to compel the Greek state. The current article asserts that the Ottomans not only appropriated the French model of diplomacy but also European justifications of imperialism as it pertained to diplomatic coercion.

Kongunadu: A Tapestry of History, Culture and Legacy

Kongunadu, a prominent region in Tamil Nadu, boasts a rich historical, cultural, and environmental tapestry. This synopsis delves into its multifaceted aspects, including geographical features like Kurinji, Mullai, and Marut, which contribute to its fertile land and abundant water sources. Known as the ‘country of Kongu,’ it is celebrated for producing precious beads and gems, symbolizing its wealth and natural bounty. The term 'Kongu,' originating from Sangam literature, embodies various meanings—from honey and wine to forest, fragrance, and gold—reflecting the region’s diverse resources and cultural significance. Additionally, Kongunadu serves as the eastern frontier (Kongu > Kongu), encapsulating its geographical orientation. Culturally, Kongunadu is depicted as the ‘shelter’ of the Yavanas in ancient texts, highlighting its role as a cultural melting pot and trading hub. The Northeast Monsoon, locally referred to as ‘Konga Rain,’ plays a pivotal role in the region’s agriculture and livelihoods, further shaping its socio-economic fabric.

Rakit yang Terombang-Ambing: Ambivalensi Sikap Politik dan Orientasi Ekonomi Orang Cina di Palembang pada Masa Revolusi

The revolutionary period was a time of upheaval and uncertainty for economic actors, including the Chinese community that played a dominant role in Indonesia's economy. During this time, the Chinese engaged in business and trade were caught between two competing powers vying for political and economic influence: the Republic of Indonesia's government and the Dutch government attempting to reassert its imperialist control. Their position was fraught with dilemmas, as they had to navigate conflicting political stances and economic interests. Palembang, as a strategically significant region outside Java with transnational economic connections, particularly with Singapore as a trading hub in Southeast Asia, became a key battleground for political and economic struggles impacting the Chinese community. This article aims to depict the various social, political, and economic realities faced by the Chinese in Palembang during this transitional period of power shifts, using a socio-historical approach.

元ㆍ安南 간 육상 교통 루트와 驛站

The primary transportation routes of the Yuan Dynasty, known as the postal routes, were developed to facilitate the movement of troops and military supplies. Later, these routes became important for official business and trade between Yuan and neighboring countries. Although land transportation routes connecting the central plains of China with Annam began to be established during the Tang Dynasty, they were not actively used until the Yuan Dynasty. The transportation routes between Yuan and Annam were straightened to shorten the travel time by eliminating detours and to enhance the stability and continuity of the routes by constructing postal stations every 60 li. The primary land transportation routes between the two countries were (1) Chongqing-Mengzi-Thang Long and (2) Chongqing-Yongzhou-Thang Long. The first route, departing from Chongqing in Yunnan Province, went directly through steep mountains to reach Mengzi, and then followed the Hong River into Annam. This was the route used by envoys from both countries before the Southern Song conquest; however, it was time-consuming due to the mountainous terrain. The second route was developed after Yuan took control of Yongzhou, becoming the fastest transportation route between the two countries and mainly used for envoys and trade. This route was established by Toghon, featuring a dense network of postal stations every 60 li within Annam, which intimidated the king of Annam. Since the establishment of these postal stations in 1284, Annamese envoys traveled along this route to Dadu every one to two years to deliver tributes, as well as to transport goods for the Yuan court. Annam’s tributes were used to supply luxuries for the imperial family, while gifts from Yuan were used as ceremonial items to enhance the authority of the king of Annam. During this period, Yongping, a postal station at the entrance to Annam, flourished as a hub for private trade.

Infrastructure Development in Ethiopia and Its Impact on Economic Diplomacy With China

Economic Diplomacy between Ethiopia and China: A Focus on Infrastructure Development" explores the intricate dynamics of the economic partnership between Ethiopia and China, specifically emphasizing infrastructure development. This comprehensive analysis examines the alignment of Chinese government policies with Ethiopia's development goals, evaluates key infrastructure agreements and projects supported by China, and assesses the impact of Chinese government involvement on bilateral relations and economic diplomacy.Evidence of strategic alignment between Chinese government policies and Ethiopia's development objectives is observed across sectors such as infrastructure, industrialization, and poverty alleviation. Notable projects like the Eastern Industry Zone, Hawassa Industrial Park, and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway illustrate coordinated efforts to advance Ethiopia's industrialization agenda and bolster connectivity and regional trade.Moreover, the article delves into broader implications of the partnership, extending beyond individual projects to encompass comprehensive collaboration in transportation, energy, and industrial zones. It underscores China's significant influence and expertise in these sectors, facilitating Ethiopia's emergence as a regional trade hub and alignment with its geopolitical and economic aspirations.Methodologically, the research employs a qualitative approach involving purposive sampling and thematic analysis of primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources include interviews and discussions with key stakeholders, while secondary sources encompass policy documents, agreements, and scholarly literature. Thematic analysis is utilized to identify recurring themes and patterns, providing insights into the motivations and implications of Chinese involvement in Ethiopian infrastructure development.In conclusion, the study highlights the transformative potential of infrastructure development in enhancing diplomatic relations and projecting economic influence. China's contributions exemplify the evolving landscape of international economic diplomacy, shaping collaborative narratives in the 21st century. The rigorous qualitative methodology employed strengthens the credibility and reliability of the findings, offering deeper insights into the nuances of economic diplomacy between Ethiopia and China.

Past and Future Impacts of the Relative Sea Level Rise on the Seafront of Ancient Delos (Cyclades, Greece) and Flooding Scenarios by 2150

Sea level rise due to global warming is a continuing and, disappointingly, accelerating process which has already affected and will further impact coastal lowlands and the social and economic activities in these areas. Delos Island, situated in the middle of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, was considered the most sacred of all islands in ancient Greek culture and was a trading hub for the entire eastern Mediterranean. Uninhabited since the 7th century AD, and consistently the focus of research and touristic attention, the island is designated as an archaeological site and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Previous studies on the relative sea level (rsl) changes suggest a steadily rising rsl during the last 6300 years, starting from a sea level of −4.80 ± 0.20 m in the Late Neolithic. The seafront of the ancient city of Delos is subject to the effects of rsl rise, which have caused significant coastline retreat and exposure to the northerly winds and waves, whereas parts of the coastal lowland, where the remains of the ancient city lie, are inundated, forming extended wetlands. The future impacts of rsl rise on the seafront of ancient Delos are illustrated on very-high-resolution digital surface models, evaluating both the flooding risk under different climatic projections, as provided by the IPCC AR6 report, and the ongoing land subsidence, as recorded by GNSS data. An rsl rise ranging from 87 cm (SSP1-2.6 scenario) to 148 cm (SSP5-8.5 scenario) is anticipated by 2150, requiring both resilience strategies and adaptation solutions as well as mitigation policies to cope with the effects of climate change.

Analyzing the Economic Opportunities for Small Businesses in Gansu Province’s Logistics and Trade Sectors Stemming from China’s Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has significantly transformed Gansu Province into a crucial logistics and trade hub, presenting substantial economic opportunities for small businesses in the region. This paper explores the historical development of logistics and trade in Gansu, the strategic importance of the province within the BRI, and the specific infrastructure projects that have been implemented. It further examines the economic opportunities created by the BRI for small businesses, including improved access to new markets and resources, opportunities for partnerships and collaborations, and case studies of successful businesses. Despite these opportunities, small businesses face several challenges and risks, such as financial constraints, regulatory complexities, logistical inefficiencies, political and economic instability, and environmental concerns. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges and enhancing the ability of small businesses to leverage the benefits of the BRI. By improving access to finance, simplifying regulatory processes, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, fostering collaboration, investing in training, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening market access, the government can create a supportive environment for small businesses, contributing to the overall economic development of Gansu Province.

LAND SNAILS AND SLUGS (MOLLUSCA: GASTROPODA) IN THE INTERNATIONAL LOADING AND UNLOADING AREAS OF PANAMA

This study aims to identify the species of land snails and slugs that may invade Panama through the loading and unloading sites of national and international merchandise in Panama City and Colon, along with their probable places of origin. The investigation also considers the ecological, economic, and health impacts of these potential invasive species. Between September 2008 and September 2009, sampling was conducted at the main seaports and airports of Panama City and Colon, including their containers, warehouses, and surrounding natural habitats. The study utilized GPS for accurate location marking, and sampling occurred twice a week. Specimens were collected, with live material fixed in 70% alcohol, and slugs dissected for identification through sexual organs. Taxonomic identification involved conchological characteristics and expert consultation, with the data analyzed for species abundance correlation with precipitation and humidity. A total of 2379 individuals were collected, identifying seven species across nine genera and four taxonomic families, with the Subulinidae family being the most abundant. Notably, Praticolella griseola, an agricultural pest, and Hapiella w. f. decolorata were new records for Panama. The study found species richness and abundance correlated with rainfall but not relative humidity. The research highlighted the quarantine importance of several species due to their roles as pests and vectors of diseases like Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costarricensis. Panama hosts a moderate ecological diversity of gastropods, with certain species posing significant risks to agriculture, public health, and native ecosystems. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing surveillance and management of non-native mollusk introductions, particularly in a global trade hub like Panama. Identifying and understanding the distribution of invasive gastropods are crucial for developing effective control measures and mitigating their impact on the environment and human health.

Viral Threats to Fruit and Vegetable Crops in the Caribbean.

Viruses pose major global challenges to crop production as infections reduce the yield and quality of harvested products, hinder germplasm exchange, increase financial inputs, and threaten food security. Small island or archipelago habitat conditions such as those in the Caribbean are particularly susceptible as the region is characterized by high rainfall and uniform, warm temperatures throughout the year. Moreover, Caribbean islands are continuously exposed to disease risks because of their location at the intersection of transcontinental trade between North and South America and their role as central hubs for regional and global agricultural commodity trade. This review provides a summary of virus disease epidemics that originated in the Caribbean and those that were introduced and spread throughout the islands. Epidemic-associated factors that impact disease development are also discussed. Understanding virus disease epidemiology, adoption of new diagnostic technologies, implementation of biosafety protocols, and widespread acceptance of biotechnology solutions to counter the effects of cultivar susceptibility remain important challenges to the region. Effective integrated disease management requires a comprehensive approach that should include upgraded phytosanitary measures and continuous surveillance with rapid and appropriate responses.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE POPULATION OF SMOLENSK IN THE 16TH-17TH CENTURIES BASED ON THE MATERIALS FROM THE EXCAVATIONS AT PYATNITSKY DISTRICT

Introduction. The article analyzes materials dated to the 16th-17th centuries came from Smolensk. This period turned out to be one of the most complex and eventful in the history of the region, that's why every new detail is significant for the study. For a long time, Smolensk functioned as a boundary city and also as an important trade hub between the Muscovite Tsardom and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; so, the composition of its population may reflect the influence of the western neighbors. Materials and methods. There were examined the craniological materials discovered during the excavations at the Pyatnitsky district of the city in 2012. The necropolis dates back to the turn of the 16th-17th centuries, it is located on the high bank of the Dnieper near the fortress wall of the Smolensk Kremlin. The materials include 17 male and 19 female skulls. Classical and multidimensional biometric methods were used as statistical approaches. Results. The comparison beetween the studied sample and the other sample of the 12th century city population known from the literature has showed their high similarity, although the later sample tends to be slenderer. Statistically significant differences were recorded only for certain parameters of the skull. The comparison with the aggregated sample of the rural Smolensk region population dated to the 18th-19th centuries also revealed a significant difference for the cranial length and height and some parameters of the facial skeleton. Discriminant analysis showed a quite unique status of the studied sample, which differs from both synchronous urban groups and later samples of the rural population of the central region. There are also no processes of macrosomization observed for it. Conclusion. The absence of significant differences for most characteristics between the studied sample and the urban population of the 12th century can indicate the continuity of the morphological type of the Smolensk urban population. On the other hand, the intermediate position of the studied sample in relation to early and late comparative materials can indicate that the studied sample represents recent settlers from the rural area.