Settlements of the early iron age in the upper reaches of the Volga (source base)

The archaeological sources for the Early Iron Age in the upper reaches of the Volga can be divided into two large groups: materials obtained by field surveys and from excavations (field reports, collections and publications). Regarding work with exploratory materials, it is necessary to take into account the random nature of samples and therefore the preliminary character of the suggested conclusions drawn by scholars, which later can be modified by long-term excavations. Sometimes methods used for sites investigations, compiling and recording collections of finds are far from perfect, the materials need detailed analysis and publication to become available to fellow scholars, so that the knowledge gathered by the present day can enable us to look with fresh eyes at unpublished or partly published materials from the settlements.