Chronology of the Nizhne-Arkhyz fortified settlement development according to historical, bibliographic and archival sources

Don State Technical University, 344002, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

^* Corresponding author: treyman-17@yandex.ru

Abstract

This article is devoted to identifying the chronology of the medieval Alania capital architectural and spatial structure formation. The study revealed that the first on the site were erected cross-domed temples, built according to the Byzantine model and dated to the first half of the 10th century. In this regard, the planning structure of the fortified settlement was formed under the influence of the Byzantine Christian topography traditions. The chronological stages of the fortified settlement formation are revealed. The planning structure of the Nizhne-Arkhyz fortified settlement is similar to the planning of Constantinople, the main features of which were laid down at the end of the 5th century. Both cities have similar outlines of plans, inscribed in a triangle, at the eastern peak of which their community centers were located. In the spatial planning scheme of both cities, there are three main streets, the directions of which merge into one main street leading to the community center. Community centers of cities are represented by the squares where Christian churches are located.