Fortification of the Bolgar Citadel

Archaeological evidence from the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex reveals that fortifications in early Bolgar, dating to pre-Mongol times (late 9th to early 13th centuries), were constructed with a systematic approach involving ramparts and ditches. Excavations uncovered filled ditches, suggesting that earth from earlier ramparts was reused for subsequent defensive structures. Notably, traces indicate overlapping fortifications, where newer ditches were dug adjacent to older ones with an outward offset, hinting at evolutionary changes in the city's defenses. However, precise dating remains elusive due to limited data, leaving the sequence of these fortifications unclear. Future research aims to clarify their chronological and spatial development through further topographic analysis and excavation.

Koval, V. Yu., Badeev, D. Yu.,. (2021). Fortification of the Bolgar Citadel. Povolzhskaya Arkheologiya (the Volga River Region Archaeology), 4(38), 8–21. https://doi.org/10.24852/pa2021.4.38.8.21