Archaeological studies at the Tara Fortress in 2024

In 2024, archaeological studies were conducted close to the northern corner of the fort wall in the northern part of the Tara Fortress. An area of 80 m2 along the edge of the bedrock bank of the Irtysh was excavated. The excavations revealed a building from the early 17th century and two simultaneous utility pits. The filling of the objects contained elements of a costume complex (fabrics, shoes, personal decorations, and pectoral crosses), a numismatic collection of 15 coins, weapons and military equipment (parts of firearms, bullets, arrowheads), household items (tools, fishing gear), interior items, a set of tableware and kitchen utensils, and toys. Several dozen kilograms of raw materials related to blacksmithing (bloomery iron, slag, slate stone) were uncovered. As a result of the research, it was possible to study the northern part of the Tara Fortress, which had not been included in the research area until now. It has been established that there are sections of the cultural layer and objects from the early 17th century, which are well-preserved and practically undisturbed by anthropogenic impact. New data on the spatial distribution of objects over the fort as a whole and the Tara residential buildings in the early period of the city existence were collected. The uncovered material complex makes it possible to reconstruct the socio-cultural character of the Tara service man, who was engaged in craft activities related to blacksmithing and weapon repair among other things. A collection of firearms parts will help to identify the features of the military supply of Tara in the late 16th – 17th centuries. A representative set of pottery makes it possible to study in detail the culture of food intake and cooking during the specified period.