Sherkala

Sherkala is a hill fort and archaeological site located in the Bolotninsky District of the Novosibirsk Oblast in Russia. It is situated on a steep hill overlooking the mouth of the Iks River, a tributary of the Ob River. The site is notable for its extensive remains, which suggest a long history of human occupation and activity.

Archaeological investigations at Sherkala have uncovered evidence of several distinct periods of settlement. The earliest phases of occupation are believed to date back to the Bronze Age, with findings that include pottery fragments and remnants of defensive structures. Later periods of use are associated with the Turkic peoples who inhabited the region, with discoveries of tools, weapons, and other artifacts.

The most prominent features of Sherkala are its well-preserved earthworks and fortifications. These include complex ramparts and ditches that were likely constructed to defend the settlement. The strategic location of the hill fort, offering a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, further underscores its defensive importance.

The name "Sherkala" is thought to derive from Turkic languages, possibly meaning "lion fortress" or "fortress of the lion," though the exact etymology remains a subject of scholarly discussion. The site has been the subject of ongoing archaeological research, contributing to our understanding of the region's ancient history and the cultures that once thrived there. Sherkala is recognized as an important cultural heritage site in Siberia.