Comprehensive research on the settlement of the Neolith - Bronze Tytkesken-VI (Gorny Altai)

Settlement Tytkesken-VI is located in the Chemalsky district of the Altai Republic. Research of the monument began in the late 80’s -early 90’s of the XX century. In 2006, archaeological excavations were continued at the settlement. It was investigated 1500 square meters. Interesting materials were obtained during the study of complexes of the developed, late and final Neolithic, as well as the Ene-olithic and Bronze Age. A series of radiocarbon dates has been obtained, which confirm the observations on the stratigraphy and layout of the settlement. Osteological collections were obtained during the research of the settlement Tytkesken-VI. The carried out researches allow to state occurrence of economy of a farming type in an epoch of the late and final Neolithic. The first domestic species was a horse. Paleo-soil and microbiomorphic investigations were carried out at the settlement Tytkeskene-VI. Studies have shown widespread use by residents of the settlement of animal organics. Analyzes have shown that layers that do not contain artifacts are layers of destruction and displacement of the material of abandoned dwellings. Analyses of the soil samples showed that there are no signs of fires. This means that the dwellings did not bum. Probably, people left them voluntarily due to a change in the resource base or natural and climatic. The data on the settlement of Tytkesken-VI were compared with the phytolithic studies of the settlement Tytkesken-2, which is located on the right bank of the river Tytkesken. Beginning from the early to the final Neolithic, the territory of the settlement occupied a forest of coniferous trees. At the end of the final Neolithic, the reduction of woody vegetation and development in the territory of steppe phytocenoses was noted. In the era of the Eneolithic, there were meadow phytocenoses in the territory of the Tytkeskene-2 settlement. Comparing the data obtained, it should be noted that, changing the vegetation cover of the territory at the mouth of the river. Tytkesken from the forest on the meadow and steppe is associated with the transition of economy of a farming type. Paleo-soil and microbiomor-phic studies at the settlement of Tytkeskene-VI indicate the predominant use of animal organics in the economic activities of people. Therefore, changes in the vegetation cover of the territory is primarily due to pasture load.

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