Елизаветинское городище, Hillfort in Yelizavetinskaya, Russia.
Elizavetinskoe settlement is an ancient fortified site with two raised citadels positioned on elevated ground in southern Russia. Both citadels share a single defensive moat that surrounds the entire fortified area.
This settlement began in the 5th century BCE as a center for the Meotian people. It later became integrated into wider trade networks connected to the Bosporan Kingdom.
The site reveals evidence of ancient pottery production through kilns and ceramic pieces discovered during excavation. These findings show how residents once worked and what skills mattered most in their daily lives.
The site sits on elevated ground, so wear sturdy shoes when walking across the terrain. The defensive moat and both citadels are visible from different vantage points around the perimeter.
The unusual arrangement of two separate mounds enclosed by a single moat is a rare defensive setup for this historical period. Natural erosion along the terrace edge constantly reveals pottery pieces and artifacts that offer glimpses into ancient daily life.
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