Some remarks about Konsulovskoe, a lesser-known Late Scythian hillfort on the Lower Dnieper

The Late Scythian/post-Scythian hillforts from the Lower Dnieper area are still one of the lesser-known networks of ancient fortifications. The Konsulovskoe site, one of bigger and better preserved fortified settlements from this group, is the aim of long-term research by a Ukrainian- Polish archaeological group from the University of Warsaw, the National Reserve ‘Khortytsya’ and the National Academy of Sciences of the Ukraine. Since 2015, this international research team has conducted different archaeological works on the site, beginning from non-invasive survey (magnetic prospection, resistivity survey, preparing DTM’s of site) through direct excavation of five trenches. Until now work focused on recognition of the fort’s fortifications. Three trenches were set in the inner citadel, one in a possible residential district, and one on the line of external fortifications. The results enabled us to recognise the shape and building technique of military constructions such as defensive walls, gate and flanking tower. In addition, details of semi-subterranean residential buildings were investigated. The archaeological material collected during excavation implies a short period of exploitation of this hillfort and sets the chronological frame as the 1st century BC–1st century AD.