THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEFENSIVE STRUCTURES OF THE TEREBOVLIA FORTRESS FROM THE EARLY IRON AGE TO THE RUS’ ERA

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the stages of development of the defensivearchitecture of the Terebovlya fortress from the Early Iron Age to the Rus period. On the basis of the results ofarchaeological excavations, written sources and historical and architectural research, the author character- ises the design features of fortifications such as ramparts, ditches, wooden fortifications and slope strength- ening techniques. Particular attention is paid to the adaptation of defence systems to the natural terrain, inparticular, the use of cape fortifications, escarpment and terracing of slopes, which allowed the most effectiveuse of the existing landscape for protection. The role of wood and earth structures, which, in combinationwith several lines of defence (four ramparts with ditches), allowed to effectively deter attacks, in particular of nomadic tribes that did not have siege equipment, is outlined. It is found that the fortifications were built takinginto account the enemy’s reach, in particular, the ramparts were located at a distance that corresponded to the targeting radius of archery at that time. The article also analyses the archaeological research conducted onthe territory of Terebovlia in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, in particular under the guidance of leading Ukrainian scholars. Particular attention is paid to the chronology of the formation of fortificationson Castle Hill, their reconstruction in the princely period, and the role of Prince Vasylko Terebovlianskyi. Theinfluence of socio-political factors on the development of defence construction, in particular the formation ofprincely power and the growth of threats from foreign attackers, is considered. The features of combat plat-forms, log walls, gurdjies and loopholes are determined. The author emphasises the insufficient use of flanking fire and stone structures, which indicates the evolutionary nature of the development of fortification art in theregion. As a result, it is proved that the Terebovlia fortress is a unique example of the transformation of defen-sive structures over several epochs, and its study is an important component of the history of fortification inUkraine and Europe as a whole.