Radiocarbon dating of archaeological sites and natural features in the Smolensk region in 2014-2021

The paper reports on the results of radiocarbon dating of archaeological sites and natural features (lacustrine and palustrine deposits, buried soils) accompanied by anthracological and pollen analyses. The key results are described below: 1) remains of a Bronze Age settlement attributed to the Corded Ware culture were identified at Sobornaya Hill in Smolensk, with the data obtained falling within the second half of III mill. BC; 2) the same site revealed an occupation layer dating to the 7th-9th centuries (apparently of the oldest Smolensk mentioned in Russian chronicle) dated based on a series of samples including charred grains of domesticated gramineous plants; 3) dating of tree-rings of 13th century oak tombstones in the oldest Vyazma cemetery made it possible to construct an oak dendroscale for the Smolensk region. A series of pollen spectra from the marshes located in various parts of the Smolensk region revealed changes in landscapes over time in the last 5000 years. Several peaks of economic activity were identified within this time range. Most peaks are quite consistent with available archaeological data; though some peaks, for example, the peak corresponding to 2800-2900 BP, have not yet been confirmed in archaeological sites. However, it is logical to assume that during the final stage of the Bronze Age in the pre-hillfort time this area was settled.