Вал, Archaeological hillfort in Horodyshche, Ukraine
Вал is an archaeological hillfort located on the right bank of the Chernohuzka River, where researchers have uncovered the foundations of residential buildings, production facilities, and storage pits. The site displays the layout of a medieval settlement with its defensive earthen walls and remains from daily life.
The settlement was founded between the late 10th and early 11th centuries as a fortified center of Kievan Rus. It later functioned as a feudal fortress, illustrating the military importance of the area during the medieval period.
The settlement shows the craftsmanship of its inhabitants through metal tools, weapons, and decorated ornaments discovered throughout the residential and work areas. These objects reveal how people lived and worked here, from daily tasks to skilled trades.
The site sits directly along the river and is recognizable by the earthen mounds marking the ancient defenses. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear because the terrain is uneven and can become slippery after rain.
This is one of the few completely excavated sites from the Kievan Rus period, allowing archaeologists to piece together a clear picture of how the settlement was organized and how people lived. Excavations uncovered over 20,000 ceramic fragments, revealing both everyday and specialized production activities.
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