Taras and the Walls “in Two Walls” in the Russian Fortification in the 16th – Early 18th Century

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that the taras structure consisted of two parallel corolla walls with cuts. At the same time, the question of whether the walls were “double-walled” taras is resolved. Results. As part of the hypothesis testing, the precedents of simultaneous mention of the terms “taras” and “double-walled” in written sources are considered. It is proved that in such cases it was a double outer wall, and not an outer and inner wall. Examples of the mention of taras “in one wall” are given which directly refutes the hypothesis under consideration. It is proved that the taras and the wall are not the same thing, and that the taras did not form a continuous wall. To solve the problem of the identity of the taras and “double-walled” structures, the ways of describing these structures are analyzed. It is established that taras and “double-walled” are not identical structures according to the method of description. A cartographic analysis of the spread of taras and walls “double-walled” was performed. It was found out that these two constructions have different geographical localization. Chronological analysis showed that the terms in question were used simultaneously. Conclusion. The totality of the obtained analytical data allows us to assert that the taras were not two parallel corolla walls with cuts and that the taras and the walls “double-walled” are not identical structures.