The History of the Study of Residential Space of the Sintashta-Petrovka Fortified Settlements

Historiography on the topic on dwellings and settlements of Sintashta-Petrovka type is analyzed in the paper. The most important field discoveries and research are examined briefly by the author. Three chronological stages were identified based on the marked qualitative changes in the research of the residential space. The first stage lasted from the late 1960s to the late 1980s. The first archaeological sites were discovered and investigated, the first works were published. The second stage lasted from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s. A whole series of similar settlements has been discovered. Bold and exaggerated interpretations are characteristic of historiography during these years. In those years the first generalizing concept appears – «the Country of towns» emerged. The third stage began in the mid-2000s and continues to the present time. According to the author, the present stage is characterized by criticism of the previous stage concepts, as well as focusing on interdisciplinary field works and systematic research. This leads to more detailed and complex modern ideas about the subject. Two new generalizing concepts – «metallurgical» and «mastering the space» have been put forward.