Results of new studies of early Neolithic layers at Rakushechnyy yar (Rostov region)

Rakushechnyy Yar is a unique stratified site dating to 7000-6000 BC characterized by complex stratigraphy, presence of buried soils and occupation layers. Consistent excavations of the site were first carried out in 1960-1970 and were then resumed in 2008. Comprehensive geoarchaeological studies helped examine specific traits of its occupation layers providing insight into microchronology of the site where some layers were formed during a very short period of time. Rakushechnyy Yar contains evidence of consistent human occupation of the littoral area in different periods of time. Most likely, the excavated sections of the sites were specialized places where water resources were used. The Early Eneolithic settlement near the lake that had been formed around mid-8th mill. BC appeared around 5600 BC. Platforms and/or bunches of Unio and Viviparus shells overlain with thin (1-3 cm) sand and loam layers and a thick layer of white sterile alluvial sand were recorded in some horizons. This sequence of deposits could occur in the littoral lacustrine area during transgressions and regressions. Dating of several layers point to a narrow chronological interval of their formation suggesting a high level of minerogenetic deposits in the lake basin. Apparently, it took several decades of these minerogenetic deposits of the Early Neolithic layers (around 2 m thick) to form.