Chronology of the interior part of the Kushmanskoye fortified settlement (Uchkakar)

The paper reports on the chronology of the Kushmanskoye fortified settlement (Uchkakar) attributed to the Cheptsa culture dating to the Middle Ages (9th - 13th centuries). It examines chronology of two main stratigraphic horizons of the occupation layer (early horizon I; stages II a-b, II c, II d of later horizon II). The paper provides chronological analysis of artifact assemblages with the use of numerous analogies. The studies established that early horizon II dating to the period when the internal defensive line was in operation can be dated to the 9th - 10th centuries. Subsequent horizon II where the layers overlie the ruins of the earlier defensive constructions dates to the second half of the 10th - turn of the 13th centuries. Timeline of its stages may be defined as follows: stages II a-b as the second half of the 10th - mid-11th centuries; stage II c as mid-11th - early 12th centuries; stage II d as the 12th - late 11th century/turn of the 13th century.