Medieval rural sites of the Suzdal region on the basis of archaeology and geophysics: investigations of 2008

The article discusses the results and new data of geophysical surveys on medieval settlements in Suzdal Field region obtained in 2008. Analysis of their geomagnetic maps has shown correlation between concentration of surface finds and the main built-up area (provisionally identified by concentration of magnetic "spots"). The sites' boundaries established by the two methods are similar, but not identical. Thus, the geomagnetic maps show certain objects outside the settlement area. At Ves' 5, outside the area of concentrated anomalies, and beyond the site boundaries determined by pottery finds, an individual cluster of strong anomalies marks location of ironworks. Geomagnetic maps of Bolshoe Davydovskoe 2 and Kibol 1 а-с, Kibol 7 show dark spots and areas of varying size and intensity, which denote geomagnetic anomalies caused by fire (hearths, buildings, household structures). The maps show the main territory of the settlements as zones of geomagnetic anomalies with clear outlines. The anomalies could have been related to planned structure of the settlement, it becomes possible to reveal their evolutionary dynamics through combined archaeological and geophysical methods.