Uinkov

Uinkov is a proposed fortified settlement located in the Republic of Khakassia, a federal subject of Russia. It is situated in the Sailyugemsky District, near the administrative center of the district, Abakan. The site is believed to have been occupied from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries, during the period of the Kurgan peoples' rise.

Archaeological excavations at Uinkov have uncovered several archaeological layers, with the oldest dating back to the early medieval period. Studies of the site's architecture suggest that it was a fortified settlement, possibly a hillfort or a fortress. The settlement's defensive structures appear to have been designed to withstand attacks from neighboring tribes.

Excavations at Uinkov have also revealed evidence of trade and cultural exchange with other medieval settlements in the region. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts from the Scandinavian, Germanic, and Turkic cultures, suggesting that the settlement was a crossroads for merchants and travelers.

Uinkov's significance in the broader context of medieval history is still a topic of debate among scholars. While some researchers believe that the site was an important center of power and trade, others argue that its significance is overstated. Further research and analysis are needed to fully understand Uinkov's role in the history of the region.

The site is not open to the public, as it is considered an archaeological reserve. However, researchers and students of medieval history may request access to the site for the purpose of study. Uinkov's remote location and limited accessibility have contributed to its relative obscurity, but its potential to shed new light on the history of the region makes it an important area of study for scholars.