Prospection Studies of Bohai Graves Near Kraskinskoye Fortified Settlement, Primorsky Krai
E.I. Gelman, E. V. Astashenkova, Y. E. Piskareva, Е. А. Бессонова, S. A. Zverev · Archaeology Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia · 2016
Locating graves at a Bohai (698–926 AD) cemetery near the fortified site at Kraskinskoye in southern Primorye is difficult because their outward signs were destroyed by large-scale fl ooding and meandering of the Tsukanovka River during the medieval warming phase. Therefore, several prospection methods were employed. While drilling proved useful for locating stone structures in the alluvium, we tried to achieve similar results by nondestructive techniques. Micromagnetic modeling and electrical profiling techniques were employed on a large area to reveal anomalies suggestive of underground stone structures in friable soil. Kappametry of ground surface was applied layer by layer within excavated areas to document magnetic susceptibility of deposits. Comparative analysis of data obtained by prospection techniques (micromagnetic sensing, georadar, magnetic susceptibility measurement) and by archaeological methods was helpful for detecting medieval burials without visible features. We revealed the orientation, arrangement, and general features of Bohai burials, located probable stone mines, and unearthed ceramics suitable for dating. Bohai burials at Kraskinskoye are paralleled by contemporaneous ones in China. Paleogeographic and petrological analyses provide clues to the reasons behind the destruction of Bohai burials. A reconstruction of the environment around the habitation site and cemetery is suggested.