Forified settlements of the iron age – early Middle Ages in the Mogilev Dnieper region: topography, typology and cultural attribution

The article summarizes data on the topography, layout and defensive systems of fortified settlements dating from the 7th century BC to the 7th century AD in the Mogilev Dnieper region, based on the analysis of archaeological research results. The aim of the work is to identify patterns in the location of hillforts within the region's river system, determine the stages in the evolution of fortifications, and establish the cultural affiliation of the population across different chronological periods. The study employed cartographic, formal-classification, and historical-cultural methods.

It was established that out of 216 known hillforts, only 59 contain datable material allowing for correct attribution. Three main chronological periods were identified: 7th–3rd centuries BC (Dnieper–Dvina and Milograd cultures), 3rd century BC – 2nd century AD (Zarubintsy culture and the Hatched Pottery culture), and 5th–7th centuries AD (Bantserov–Tushemlya and Kolochin cultures). Continuity in the settlement of hillforts was traced, as later cultural groups actively reused settlements built by preceding populations. It was determined that the vast majority of sites belong to the promontory type and are gravitate towards rivers of the 2nd and 3rd order. The conclusions of the study refine the historical and cultural map of the region and can be used in the preparation of comprehensive works on the archaeology of Belarus.

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