Fortified camp Altyn-khan on the hill Unyuk (right bank of Yenisei, 1652)

Purpose. To identify the origins and destination of a large archaeological site of a defensive character, located on Hill Unyuk, near the estuary of the river Syda. Results. South Yenisei to the top edge of the Russian exploration of Siberia was part of the North-Mongolian state Altyn-khans. The name of these rulers was connected until only one archaeological site in the area. They are the largest fortification - stone-earthen wall on the right bank of the Yenisei River near estuary Sizaya-river. Currently, however, there is reason to believe that the detected second such object. This is fortified camp Altyn-khan. It is located north of the fortress on the hill Unyuk, near estuary Syda (right tributary of the Yenisei). The report Krasnoyarsk governors M. F. Scryabin, dated 1652, states that the Altyn-khan quarreled with his nephew Mergen-taisha, who was forced to flee to the land Tuba (Krasnoyarsk district). But Altyn Khan followed him and pulled nephew in the «stone town» in the estuary Syda. Indeed, here on hill Unyuk there are a large fortress, consisting partly of stone walls, as well as the system of ditches and embankments. For defense was used and a deep ravine, as the northern line of protection of the fortress. Probably, this is the «stone town», said M. F. Scryabin. On the opposite side of the ravine is a plateau of the western slope of the mountain. Here we found another fortification. It consists of a system of ditches and ramparts, with the excavated trench on the edge of the ravine. Strengthening has the shape of an irregular rectangle. This is due to the fact that it follows the contours of the southern line of the edge of the ravine (a total length of over 640 meters). From both ends of the west defensive line towards the river Syda, that is to the west, followed two straight parallel lines similar ditches and ramparts. But on its western endings are not connected with the transverse wall. This is probably way out of the fortress to the river, protected on both sides (north and south). Accordingly, in the west line of strengthening there are a gap without the ditch and rampart. Its width is about 3 meters. Here could be the gate for the passage of people and horses to water. To interpret the origin and destination of the object should refer to the military experience of the Manchus, who had a close and many contacts with the Mongols in military affairs. Results of the study Manchu written sources first half of XVII century show that usually arranged so fortified camps during the military campaigns. Conclusion. This object is very similar to the description of the same facilities used by the Manchus. Therefore, it can be defined as a fortified camp Altyn-khan, which was his army during the siege of the fortress in 1652 on Mount Unyuk, defending Mergen-taisha.