Zooarchaeology of Tver Kremlin (12th–18th centuries, Tver, Russia)

Abstract

The paper is focused on the comparative zooarchaeological analysis of one of the Russian medieval strongholds. Animal bones originating from the sediments of the Tver stronghold (Tver Kremlin), accumulated over the period of its existence (12‐18th centuries), are analysed. The composition and nature of the bones of animals from Tver Kremlin correspond in general to those from strongholds of other medieval cities of Russia's forest zone. The basic set of bones and characteristics of animals from the Tver Kremlin are similar to bones and animals from medieval Tver town. At the same time, some features characterize the Tver Kremlin as a status place. The paper provides the first chronological breakdown of the substantial zooarchaeological assemblages from the excavations at Tver.

Birds of prey from 4th to 18th centuries AD of the Volga River basin of Russia

“…The majority of birds used in the sport were northern goshawk and Eurasian sparrowhawk. This is clearly seen in the most representative collections of bird of prey bone remains from archaeological sites in this region: Yaroslavl (Antipina et al, 2021), Tver (Zinoviev, 2021), Bilyar fortified settlement, and Uvek settlement (our data). At these sites, in terms of the number of bone remains, hawks make up 78%-90% of all birds for hawking/falconry.…”

“…In Bilyar, bone remains were identified: peregrine fal- the "Falconry yards" that existed here. A similar description of the interpretation of the practice of falconry and the presence of the "Falcon Yard" is given in published articles (Antipina et al, 2021;Bartosiewicz, 2012;Bochenski et al, 2016;Prummel, 1997;Zinoviev, 2021). In itself, the maintenance and use of birds of prey was expensive.…”

“… Notes : A: Upper Volga (Alekseeva et al, 2011; Andreeva, 1972; Antipina et al, 2021; Burchak‐Abramovich & Tsalkin, 1969, 1972; Fedorov, 2011; Glazunova et al, 2009; Zinoviev, 2017, 2018, 2021). B: Middle and Lower Volga (Askeyev et al, 2013; Galimova et al, 2014 and our data presented in this article).…”

“…According to European sources, the owl was highly respected by the inhabitants of Mongolia and the Horde, since Genghis Khan was saved with the help of this bird, so the image of an owl was used on the coat of arms and flags of the Tartar Empire (Boyle, 1979; Du Val d'Abbeville Par, 1658). It is also possible to use some species of owls to attract various birds (corvids and birds of prey), as well as to train falconry birds or as use as a companion animal (Zeiler, 2010; Zinoviev, 2021).…”

“…It is also possible to use some species of owls to attract various birds (corvids and birds of prey), as well as to train falconry birds or as use as a companion animal (Zeiler, 2010;Zinoviev, 2021).…”