Current state of ancient Mongolian settlements in the territory of the Republic of Tuva

By the beginning of the XIII century the territory of modern Tuva appeared under the power of the amplifying Mongolian empire. During this period in the territory of the modern Tandy district of Tuva there were some cities of administrative and craft character. In the middle of the XX century archaeological researches of ancient Mongolian settlements were conducted by expedition of the Moscow state university under the leadership of L.R. Kyzlasov. On river Elegest coast expedition found and investigated four monuments: Don-Terek, Mogoysky, Mezhegeysky and Elegestsky. In the spring of 2011 the author took part in work of the Russian-Mongolian joint archaeological expedition in the territory of Tuva. The main emphasis of expedition was laid on studying of ancient Mongolian settlements as one of the least studied monuments of Middle Ages. The ancient settlement Don-Terek is located on three ancient islands of the river Elegest and surrounded with numerous dry and operating courses. In 1957 Don-Terek occupied the territory about 30 hectares and was surrounded with natural barriers: the small ridge from the North, courses Elegest and a wide marshy strip. Expedition recorded that in connection with irriga-tional works which were carried out to the Soviet period, marshiness round the ancient settlement increased. Ancient settlement territory now no more than 10 hectares. The Mezhegeysky ancient settlement with 20 hectares territory is located on the left coast of the river Elegest, opposite to the mouth of river Mezhegey, the right inflow of the river Elegest. Excavation of 1960 showed that buildings are built in architectural traditions of the XI-XIII centuries. A significant amount of fragments of a clay tile, characteristic for the Chinese architecture of an era Tan (the VII-X centuries) and Yuan (1280-1368) is revealed. Near the central building of the ancient settlement two Ancient Chinese coins, allegedly the beginnings of the XIV century were lifted. The ancient settlement Mogay is located on the right coast of the river Elegest. From the ancient settlement the small site on the river about 2-3 hectares bend, representing 3 uncertain forms of the height connected among themselves in northern part remained. On a surface numerous fragments of irrigation ceramics, the Chinese porcelain, glassware are found. Thus, the condition of the studied monuments can be considered unsatisfactory. Under the influence of natural and anthropogenous factors there is a destruction of ancient Mongolian settlements. Serious threat for safety of these monuments hung in communication by active industrial development of mineral deposits and railroad construction to the republic. All this causes fear for destiny of unique historical and cultural heritage for future generations.

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