The Upper Oka early iron age culture: actual investigational problems and solution perspectives

The Early Iron Age sites of the Upper Oka basin are traditionally attributed to the Upper Oka culture once singled out by V. V. Sedov. Since the beginning of the investigations no complex analysis of the materials has been carried out: chronological and territorial ranges of the culture remain unclear, as well as specifics of its cultural complex. To solve the above problems a series of projects should be undertaken: compiling sites catalogue based on the study of museum collections and archives; determination of geographic and topographic distribution of settlements; investigation of defensive constructions, dwelling and household complexes; characteristic of pottery materials and finds. In this way it is possible to determine specific features and position the discussed culture occupies among the Early Iron Age cultures of Eastern Europe.