The medieval cemetery of Gnezdilovo: finds from the topsoil and spatial organization of the cemetery

The paper has attempted to use medieval items from the topsoil collected during the survey of one of the cemeteries in Suzdal Opolye as material for determining the area occupied by the cemetery, reconstructing its spatial structure and identifying its oldest core as well as characteristics of the funerary rite. The topsoil containing medieval finds from disturbed graves is considered to be a separate component of such sites which, though transformed by continued agricultural activity, has not lost its informational potential. The overall picture of the Gnezdilovo cemetery spatial development and diversity of funerary rites practiced has been recreated using materials of geophysical studies and excavations in some sections.