The Rubassky architectural complex (Eastern Caucasus) of the VIII century : new data on excavations in 2023

The object of this study is a monumental hydraulic engineering structure of the late 8th century, discovered in 2014 in the lower reaches of the Rubas River, 20 km south of Derbent (Russia). Excavations have established the complex composition of this structure, which included 6 buildings of different types connected by building bundles. The functional purpose of 3 structures has been fully determined - wall No. 1, arched structure and main wall No. 2. The subject of this study is the analysis of new data on the design and functionality of 3 structures obtained during excavations in 2023 - step structure No. 6, walls No. 3 and structures No. 5 in the form of a platform.The full form of the structure No. 6 of the stepped structure has been established. Its length was 8.6 m. The methodology used by the author for substantiating chronology and functional orientation is: analysis of structural features; dating according to written sources. The study of the eastern section of wall No. 3, in the direction of the South-South was made. A preserved section with a length of 3.0 m and a thickness of 2.2 m was opened. The northern and southern facades of this section of wall No. 3 with a height of 1.4-1.5 m were constructed of large blocks installed according to the "poke-spoon" masonry system. The blockage consisted of a crushed stone. Within the excavation site of 2023, Wall No. 3 continues to the east. The length of the western and eastern sections of wall No. 3 in 2023 was 9.5 m. The southern section of structure No. 5 in the form of a platform has been studied to determine its length. A 1.5 m long section of this structure has been preserved on the new site. The total length of the facade of building No. 5 was 9.7 m, the rest of it was destroyed. Large and small fragments of stone blocks were recorded at the lower level of the excavation. Determining the functional purpose of the Rubassky architectural complex, based on its complex structure, layout, construction technology used, location in the valley of the Rubas River, as well as the high level of processing of stone blocks and the quality of building materials, is a difficult task.

East Caucasus, Rubas river, Rubass architectural complex, hydraulic engineering structure, Derbent, design features, excavations, front, stone blocks, wall