The Smolensk city fortified wall (1596-1602) in the light of the 2019 reconnaissance survey

The paper presents results of the archaeological observations of 93 testing pits made by the restorers along the perimeter of the Smolensk city wall built in 15961602. These observations revealed characteristics of the boulder walling that substantially varied in depth (from 0,8 to 6,1 m) and width (from 6,2 to 9 m) depending on the undersoil; besides, differences in «uniquely designed» stonework were identified as well. Some important features of the Smolensk historical topography were also clarified during these activities. Thus, the survey found that during the Ancient Rus period the city area was extended to the southeast beyond the city wall whereas in the 14th-16th centuries the area of the city decreased. The eastern section of the wall replaced the city cemetery that used to mark a Smolensk outskirt boundary of that period.