Dating of the Iron Buckles, Plaques on the Belt and Hooks of the Middle Ages Period from the Middle Volga Region (based on the Materials of the Ostolopovo Settlement in Tatarstan)

The article deals with iron buckles, plaques on the belt and hooks from excavations of Ostolopovo settlement in Tatarstan. It existed 11th — 12th centuries. was one settlements central part Volga Bulgaria, located way center state to Kama River, which most important trade route Bulgaria. investigated 1969 1997–2013. is distinguished by a unique stratigraphy, associated peculiarities functioning settlement. This for short time end 10th century second half century. heyday fell fi rst During excavations, 40 were found. peculiarity these artifacts that they made according samples came Bulgars Southern Siberia. Their prototypes items Askiz archaeological culture. Such nds are typical Bulgar sites pre-Mongol period. In addition, copies originals spread beyond borders They found among medieval Mari, Udmurts, Permians, Mordovians. Th erefore, finding out existence such very dating materials entire Volga-Kama region. Well-dated layers Ostolopovsky allow this be done. analysis finds showed begin occur third stratigraphic layer, dates back no earlier than middle contained few an buckle adorned it. Most come formed turn 11th–12th centuries until notable their improved form design, also included decoration surface ornaments possibly silver inlay. Finds type longer upper horizon layer. Thus, period use derivatives products According greatest first