History of the soil, cultural layer, and people in medieval Moscow

Abstract

The specificity of urban soils, especially those in the central part of Moscow, consists of continuous accumulation of a thick layer of habitation deposits (the cultural layer); its main thickness varies from 3 to 5 m. These deposits have accumulated since the 12th century and are characterized by a high content of organic matter, carbonates, phosphorus compounds, and various microelements. Strong alkalinity and high stone content are also characteristic of this layer. Our study revealed the indices of accumulation of a number of elements and their compounds within the habitation deposits of Moscow. The composition of microelements in the bone tissue of people buried at that time show additional information about their living conditions.