Near Khotyazhi in Moscow Oblast lies an archaeological site group west of Zvenigorod: a burial mound cemetery and two settlements on different banks of the upper course of the Moskva River. This combination makes the site interesting for travelers who would like to compare several traces of historical periods. A megalith in the surrounding area adds another excursion topic to the archaeological focus.

Two settlements, different periods

One settlement was established in the 10th century, possibly earlier, on a settlement dating to the Early Iron Age. The second was established in the 10th to 11th century. This brings an older settlement site and two more recent dates together in a shared archaeological context. For a closer understanding, it is worth considering the details separately: the Early Iron Age is part of the history of one site, while the 10th to 11th century marks the period when the two later settlements were established.

The locations are also clearly defined: the settlement sites lie on different banks of the upper course of the Moskva River. This distinction is useful if you are interested in the different periods: the Early Iron Age connection is part of the history of one site, while the two settlements bring the period around the 10th to 11th century to life. The site group can thus be considered in terms of its locations and periods.

A cemetery with rare cremation burials

The Khotyazhi (Myshkino) burial mound cemetery was established from the end of the 10th century through the first half of the 11th century and is one of the earliest cemeteries in the Moscow region. Cremation burials, which are rare in the region, were also found there. The term refers to a burial practice involving cremation, adding a distinct focus alongside the settlement dates. A history-focused stay offers an opportunity to compare settlement sites and burial practices.

The cemetery’s time frame partly overlaps with that of the second settlement. The first settlement also adds a connection to a site dating to the Early Iron Age. This allows you to consider the dates side by side without reducing the history of the settlements and the cemetery to a single date.

The megalith in the surrounding area

The megalith is a separate point of interest in the surrounding area. It was included on an excursion route with the provisional name “Kitezh-Kamen.” This is distinct from a local history excursion to the stone that took place near the village of Khotyazhi. The megalith adds a different perspective to the archaeological topics: an excursion destination and a local excursion history, separate from the settlement and cemetery finds.

If you would like to include the megalith in your itinerary, check in advance whether an excursion is currently offered and how access is arranged. If you also want to visit the archaeological sites themselves, it is best to check access before making plans. This will help you distinguish the historical focus of your stay from an actual planned visit.

Discover more destinations: Novoivanovskoye, Kubinka, Odintsovo, Shikhovo, Romashkovo, Golitsyno, Vyrubovo, Sergiyevo.

For the broader travel guide: Odintsovsky Rayon.