The Initial Period of Research in the Late Bronze and the Early Iron Age Archaeology in the Volga-Kama Area: Field Studies

The history of the study of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age in the Volga-Kama region can be divided into four periods, characterized by research trends, specific methods, and forms. Their chronological framework is associated with milestone works of key importance by researchers who would discard the previous frame and give rise to new paradigms. The initial period of the studies of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age in the Volga-Kama area (the late 18th century to the early 1920s) is discussed in the article. It started with first site discoveries and accumulation of materials, and completed with archaeological cultures identified and prehistoric archeology periodization formed. It was a period of activity of the Imperial Archaeological Society, which included studies in the Volga region. The tradition of holding Archaeological Congresses in Kazan was established. In the late 19th – early 20th centuries, the ancientries of the Volga-Kama region attracted the attention of Finnish archaeologists. The results of the initial period were summarized in the monographs by A. M. Tallgren that also formulated new challenges to researchers.