ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN NORTHERN DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL STUDIES OF MEDIEVAL NOVGOROD: (Based on the Findings of Archaeological Excavations 1991–2006)

The present paper discusses the results of dendrochronological studies into wood samples from the buildings of medieval Novgorod carried out during the period 1991–2006. New dating techniques have been employed in more than 1600 samples taken from 14 excavation areas and in assessing the age of 330 structures including wooden pavements of nine streets. Based on comparisons with pine wood reference samples, local dendrochronological scales were created for six excavations and a computerized version of a general dendroscale for Novgorod generated. The results of dendrochronological analyses compared with excavation materials have made it possible to reconstruct the history of various town quarters and to trace the development of medieval Novgorod from the earliest centers to the periphery between the 10th and 15th cent.