Investigations of the central bazaar in Bolgar (2012-2013)

Excavations of the Bolgar fortified settlement in 2012-2013 were a continuation of the work carried out by M.D. Poluboyarinova, G.F. Polyakova and N.A. Kokorina in 1989-2000. The central part of the largest stone and brick building in the city was investigated. Its function as the central bazaar has duly been established. The construction was designated for trade in high-value commodities The chronology of the building was also determined: the bazaar had been built in the 1350-s and destroyed between 1360 and 1380. The internal layout of the bazaar was revealed, which had included wooden partitions set on mud-brick base-platforms; the building’s foundations were also studied. Finds of scales, weights, lead seals from Flemish textiles, touchstones, silver ingots, numerous coins and the like all testified to trade in high-value commodities. The remains of buildings which had existed prior to the bazaar were also studied. Stratigraphical column of Bolgar was cleared up and expanded. A range of multi-disciplinary studies was undertaken involving specialists in natural sciences, which made it possible to propose new interpretations with regard to the stratigraphy and layout of the city of Bolgar.