The stratified medieval horizon in the Nizhniy Novgorod Kremlin: formation conditions and preliminary characteristics

The paper reports on preliminary results of examining the occupational deposits discovered by the 2018 excavations conducted on the site where the Cathedral of St. Simeon Stylite in the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin will be rebuilt. The paper characterizes the formation mechanism of the stratified ‘dry' occupation layer on the landslip terrace within the bank slope. The medieval horizon dates to the 13th - early 15th centuries. Five layers with archaeological finds separated by sterile slope detritus dating to different periods are singled out. It is noted that after the medieval period the examined site was used for a different purpose. The latest stage of its occupation (late 15th - early 18th centuries) is related to the operation of a monastery necropolis.