Fortified sites of the Pskov long barrows culture in the Msta river basin

The main type of the Pskov Long Barrows Culture dwelling sites are opensettlements. But hillforts have also been found in the western and southern areas of thisculture. The analysis of artifacts from seven settlements in the Msta River basin (the easternarea of the culture) suggests that such fortified sites were present in this region in the EarlyMiddle Ages (Fig. 1). These settlements have all attributes characteristic for Pskov LongKurgan Culture hillforts of type 1. Most settlements are poorly fortified; the size of the site ismore than 1,500 sq. m; the basic occupation layer dates to the Early Iron Age, neverthelessthe layer contains hand-made pottery and some artifacts from the Pskov Long BarrowsCulture (Figs. 2-4). The settlements are located on sandy soil in the clusters of Pskov LongBarrows Culture sites (kurgan burial grounds and unfortified settlements)