Excavation of the Derbent Settlement in 2016

Archaeological excavations at the Derbent settlement, conducted in 2016, revealed a complex of residential structures and outbuildings dating from the first half to the middle of the 5th century AD. This discovery sheds light on the city-fortress Chor/Chol, an important administrative, political, and religious center in the Eastern Caucasus, known to ancient Armenian, Georgian, Syrian, early Byzantine, and Arab authors. The settlement predated the construction of Derbent's defensive complex in the late 560s and was gradually abandoned after the establishment of a new city. The research, supported by the Russian Humanitarian Scientific Foundation, utilized cultural layers, construction remains (rooms 6, 7, 8), and economic remains to characterize the population's culture and life. Chronological indicators such as bronze belt buckles and Sasanian pottery were employed to date the complex, which is believed to have ceased existence during turbulent military-political events in the mid-450s, including an anti-Sasanian insurrection and a ruinous invasion by the Huns.

Gadjiev, M. S., Abiev, A. K., Budaychiev, A. L., & Abdulaev, A. M. (2018). EXCAVATION OF THE DERBENT SETTLEMENT IN 2016. History, Archeology and Ethnography of the Caucasus, 14(3), 127–149. https://doi.org/10.32653/ch143127-149