The “Sarayshyk” Expedition in the City of Azov

On the ninth day of the expedition, staff from the Sarayshyk Museum-Reserve arrived in the city of Azov. This locality has a rich history and is among the cities known since the Middle Ages, even before the 13th century. However, its period of greatest flourishing, associated with active interaction between Europe and Asia, falls in the 13th–14th centuries. According to historical sources, the city was founded by the first Khan of the Golden Horde, Mengu-Timur (1266–1282). The history of the city is presented in the exhibits of the Azov Historical Museum, whose archaeological department employs more than 40 researchers. A distinguishing feature of the city is that modern buildings have been constructed on the site of the ancient settlement. Currently, archaeological excavations are being conducted in the city, and after their completion and assessment, the sites are handed over for planned construction work. According to archaeologist and Candidate of Historical Sciences Andrey Maslovsky from the Azov Museum, many apartment buildings around the museum were built directly on former excavation sites. This year, the expedition visited a dig site located in the yard of a private home. Although Golden Horde artifacts are rarely found there, fragments of clay bricks, ceramics, and Golden Horde coins have been discovered. Thus, it can be concluded that the city of Azov was located on an important caravan route and served as a significant center of trade.