Results of Palynological Studies at the Sokolny VIII Site (Mari El Republic)

The presented article is devoted to the introduction into scientific use of the results of palynological analysis of the cultural layer of the Sokolny VIII site (Mari El Republic). The site was discovered by V.V. Nikitin in 1985 and studied by excavations of the expedition of the Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education in 2020 on an area of 60 sq.m. A total of 501 findings were identified. The ceramic complex is represented by 71 fragments from approximately 19 vessels, the vast majority of which belong to the Krasnomostovsky type of the Late Neolithic. An impressive collection of stone products, numbering 430 units, was also obtained. The period of existence of the Sokolny VIII site is reliably determined to be the last quarter of the 5th millennium BC. Fourteen samples were selected from the western wall of the 2020 excavation for palynological analysis. As a result, 4 spore-pollen complexes were identified along the studied section, which follow from bottom to top. Spore-pollen complex I: at that time mixed coniferous-deciduous forests grew in the studied area, mainly of pine, linden and birch with hazel in the undergrowth. It is possible that pure pine forests also grew in favorable habitats, the grass cover was very poor, and mosses, ferns, and club mosses predominated in the ground cover. Spore-pollen complex II: at that time, predominantly pine forests grew in this area with a slight admixture of birch and broad-leaved species (oak, linden), and hazel in the undergrowth. Spore-pollen complex III: at that time, there were pine forests in the site area with an admixture of birch and broad-leaved species (oak, linden) with mosses and ferns in the ground layer; in more humid conditions, perhaps along the stream, alder grew. Spore-pollen complex IV marks the character of vegetation close to the modern one. The period of existence of the bearers of the Krasnomostovsky ceramic tradition at the site is associated with spore-pollen complexes I and II. The results obtained are of great importance for the reconstruction of the specific historical living conditions of Late Neolithic groups in the forested Middle Volga region.