Gnezdovo

Gnezdovo is usually identified with the early Smolensk, which is first mentioned in the Chronicle of Bygone Years in 862. The theory is confirmed by the fact that during excavations in Smolensk no layers were found to be earlier than the 11th century. Gnezdovo seems to be the same as mentioned in a paper by 948 and 952 by Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, with "Fortress Miliniska " place. In Scandinavian texts the name " Sürnes " the reference to the place seems to be.

Several settlements are nearby. Gnezdowo with a total area of ​​about 200 hectares of Russia's largest complex of archaeological sites from this period (only Hedeby is greater). The important trade and craft center on the trade route connecting the north and south of Europe, reached its peak in the 10th century.

The cemetery Gnezdowo once consisted of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 grave hills of which were studied over 1000 in 1874.

The Gnezdowo Hoard was discovered by archaeologists in 1993. A Nordic mask pewter was found here.