Mayatskoye

Mayatskoye is a well-preserved Khazar archaeological site located in Voronezh Oblast, Russia. It features a hill fort known as a gorodishche, a surrounding settlement, and an adjacent burial ground. The site covers an area of approximately 30 hectares, with a significant portion excavated to reveal pottery workshops and other artifacts. The fortress, constructed using chalk blocks with some runic inscriptions, served as a defensive structure on the Khazar frontier, likely near Slavic tribes. The site's occupation began in the late 8th century CE, with its citadel constructed in the 9th century CE. Mayatskoye reached its peak importance in the second half of the 9th century CE and early 10th century CE, playing a significant role in the Saltovo-Mayaki culture of the Khazars.