Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Location
About
Gnezdovo is a significant archaeological site located in Russia's Smolensk Oblast, known for its 10th-century Slavic-Varangian settlement. Strategically positioned on the trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks, it served as a major trade hub, linking the Dnieper River to the broader network of Varangian commerce. The site comprises a fortress, numerous ancient rural settlements, and over 3,000 burial mounds, which have yielded a wealth of artifacts, including silver ornaments, Byzantine and Arabic coins, and various metal objects. The presence of a Kerch amphora with an early Cyrillic inscription suggests the use of the script in pre-Christian Rus. Gnezdovo's decline in the early 11th century coincided with the rise of nearby Smolensk, marking a shift in regional dominance.
Gallery
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Archaeological Features
Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Industrial and Craft Structures
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history
Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- Russia
- Source
- Wikipedia
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