The Application of Buried Soil Properties for Reconstruction of Various Stages of Early Habitation at Archaeological Sites in Moscow Kremlin

Research at the Moscow Kremlin reveals that buried soil properties can effectively reconstruct the stages of early human habitation, from the Early Iron Age to the 12th century. The study found that alternating agricultural land use and abandonment led to significant transformations in natural ecosystems, including soil erosion and truncation of upper soil horizons. Ancient agricultural practices, such as the application of ash, dolomite, crushed bones, manure, and household waste, further altered the soil landscape. These insights were derived from a combined archaeological and pedogenetic study, which analyzed sediments deposited due to slope erosion and mineral materials transported by ancient people. The research highlights the complex interplay between human activities and environmental changes over centuries.

Golyeva, A., Khokhlova, O., Engovatova, A., Koval, V., Aleshinskaya, A., Kochanova, M., Makeev, A., Puzanova, T., & Kurbanova, F. (2018). The Application of Buried Soil Properties for Reconstruction of Various Stages of Early Habitation at Archaeological Sites in Moscow Kremlin. Geosciences, 8(12), 447. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences8120447