Defensive Structures of the Gremiachy Kliuch Hill-Fort

The article features the results of comprehensive research of defensive structures located in Gremiachiy Kliuch hillfort which corresponds to the Post-Maklasheevka culture of the Ananyino cultural and historical areal. The authors determined the starting time of construction activities (9th – mid-8th centuries B.C.) and the periodization of the erection of the hillfort's earth rampart using archaeological and natural scientific techniques (lithologic and stratigraphic, palynological and geomorphological). The second stage of the construction of defensive structures corresponds to mid-8th – first quarter of 7th centuries B.C. The moat was represented by a natural saddle located in the narrowest area of the headland platform between the ravines. The authors concluded that the rampart construction technique was very archaic, and the inner support wall was used as the foundation. Fine preservation of the earth rampart which has survived almost intact until the present day is accounted for by an optimal ratio of proportions (width and height), lithological composition of the soil and forest coverage of the site in the Post-Ananyino period.