The tower complex of the Rayevskoye hillfort: some results of comprehensive studies

The Rayevskoye hillfort is the largest center of the Gorgippia chora that has revealed a two-tier system of fortification constructions. The analysis of the anthropogenic landscape helped identify its most significant elements. This paper reports on the study of a tower complex located in the highest point of the hillfort eastern part. Magnetic surveys revealed the presence of a very thick external defensive line of this construction. Excavations of a five-meter high hill resembling a kurgan confirmed this conclusion: ruins of three walls from a one-chamber structure which is a typical example of the Bosporus mudbrick and stone architecture were cleared. The masonry of the exterior walls turned out to be much higher than that of the internal walls. Despite destruction of the construction caused by dismantling of its northern part to extract stones, a well stratified section of the tower filling was identified. This fortification is dated to the 2nd century BC.