Kedun I. Novgorod-Siversky and its surrounding area in the X-XIIIth centures.

The thesis attempts to shed light on the Old Russian period in the history of Novgorod-Siversky and its surrounding area. This attempt is made on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the numerous sources (archaeological, written, cartographic, etc.). A considerable amount of archaeological material is introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. At that time Novgorod-Seversky occupied an area of approx. 60 hectares. It acquired a range of urban characteristics by the beginning of the XIth century. Structurally, the town consisted of a citadel, a fortified castle and roundabout open quarters or posads. Its heyday began after the conversion of Novgorod-Seversky into the capital of an independent principality. The XIIth centure was marked by growing of the urban area and the following renovation of the citadel as well as the construction of the posad's fortifications. The suburban prince residence was built on the southern outskirts of the town. The territory of the town's surrounding area was approx. 450 km2. A prerequisite for the emergence and development of Novgorod-Seversky was the concentration of the Siveryane tribes' settlements in the region. The vast majority of such settlements were gords adjoined by unfortified villages. After inclusion into the administrative system of the Old Russian state in the XIth century, the region showed a strong tendency towards the depopulation of gords and the constant increase in the number of villages. In the XIIth century there appeared two outposts on strategic approaches to the city - Putivsk and Domotkanovo gords. Development of the town and the region was interrupted by the Mongol invasion. Key words: Novgorod-Siversky, posad, Old Russian town, topography, Romny culture, Severians.