The fortress of Rurik was found in Veliky Novgorod
Russian archaeologists, conducting research on the territory of the Rurik settlement in Veliky Novgorod, discovered the remains of a 9th century fortress. The date of its construction coincides with the period of the life of the legendary prince, according to the Novgorod Museum-Reserve.
Archaeologists have been working on this site for about 45 years and during this time they have made many significant finds. But the work was complicated by the “high water”. The upper layers of the wooden fortress were found in the 1990s-2000s. They were very poorly preserved and practically turned into decay.
In the summer of 2021, archaeologists managed to discover the base of the fortress, dating from the second half or the end of the 9th century.
“If we associate it with legendary events, then this is the fortress of Rurik,” noted the head of the expedition, Doctor of Historical Sciences Natalya Khvoshchinskaya.
The base of the fortress is a wall of long oak logs that have not been displaced over the past centuries. Wood samples were sent for dendrochronological analysis to establish an exact date.
Scientists noted that the ancient builders did a great job. So, they cut off the cape to increase the height of the hill, and erected walls of unusually long (12 meters) and even oak trees. The Novgorod fortress was never taken by enemies, but it served to maintain the prestige of the authorities.
Earlier it was reported that balls of the 12th century were found in Veliky Novgorod. They were used to play a game similar to baseball.
