Experimental reconstruction of an Early Medieval dwelling in Western Amur Region: ten years later

The authors present the results of a ten-year observation of the preservation state of a natural reconstruction of an early medieval dwelling on Lake Osinovoye in the Konstantinovka District of the Amur Region. The 2013 construction was based on the housing construction components of the Mikhailovka and Troitskaya groups of the Mohe cultures. During the first three years after construction, the dwelling was systematically visited during the warm season and in winter, the premises were heated, tidied up, and routine repairs were carried out (an active experiment). From 2016 to 2024, the building was visited periodically in order to record changes that occurred under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors (passive experiment). In 2018, changes in the structure of roofing boards and their deformation were noted. In 2019, the northern slope of the roof had fallen into the dwelling covering the bunks and the fireplace. In 2022, all the roof elements had fallen. Observations of intentionally abandoned house have shown that, without supervision, deteriorations occurred approximately after five years. Five years later, the house collapsed. However, pillars supporting the upper frame-strapping, a base frame on corner support pillars, and wooden lining of the earthen walls of the pit remained on site. The fireplace and bunks survived too. After the first collapse of even one roof slope, the hearth and bunks were almost completely covered with planks, boards and the overlying soil. During excavations in unburned medieval dwellings, the usage offour supporting pillars and corner supports for the base frame is indicated by post holes. However, any remains, like the frames themselves, have not been discovered. It is possible that, in addition to the natural destruction of wood over time, dilapidated houses in the villages were dismantled by the owners or other local residents for household needs, and the remaining pits were used to dump household waste.