2019 archaeological studies allow to define the layout of the central part of the medieval town on Eski-Kermen plateau, Crimea. The central part of the town included the main basilica with a square approximately 5 m wide in front of it. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the last period of the town’s existence, the western part of the square was closed by a parapet made of massive limestone blocks. Behind the parapet were residential quarters with two-storey tiled manors. The project resulted in the discovery of evidence preservation of religious life on the plateau and in the 14th century. In slab-graves cleared out in 2018–2019 the archaeo­logists first discovered a silver coin of Ozbeg Khan, coined in 1320–1341, as well as golden earrings (the 14th century) in the shape of a question mark, and a clay jar (the 14–15th centuries). All graves of the first half of the 14th century were dug in a destruction stratum dated late 13th century. Probably, after most quarters perished in fire, the townspeople continued resi­ding in a central part of the town. Most likely, at the end of the 13th and 14th centuries a chapel was added to the main basilica. In 1930s the researchers found by the basilica a tomb model of the 14th century cross-in-square temple carved from local limestone now kept in Hermi­tage museum.

Introduction. The light played a big role in Byzantine culture. It was an integral part of the original architectural, artistic and symbolic design of the temple. For additional lighting inside the temple, polycandyla, lampadophoroi and candlesticks were used. Lighting devices are depicted on Byzantine mosaics, frescoes, icons, textiles and in manuscripts. Information about lighting devices is also contained in the typicons. Method. In 1930 and 2019–2021, during the excavations of the basilica erected by the Byzantines at the end of the 6th century on the Eski-Kermen plateau, fragments of Byzantine bronze candlesticks and a polycandylon were found. Their study is important for the reconstruction of the interior decoration of the once rich main city temple. Analysis and Results. These candlesticks and a polycandylon are only a small part of the lighting equipment of the main basilica of the city on the Eski-Kermen plateau. The considered lamps give an idea of the complex of church lighting, which was known only by mentions in monastic inventory inventories and typicons of the late 11th – 13th centuries. The increase in the value of candles in the artificial lighting of churches is a characteristic feature of the Komnenos period, which is intensified under the Palaiologoi. Apparently, a new set of lamps began to be used in the main basilica after its reconstruction.

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The article publishes vault 197 excavated in 2002 with burials from the end of the 4th — the first half of the 5th century from the burial ground at Luchistoe. The design of crypt 197, the elements of the funerary rite recorded in it, the details of the costume and decorations are typical for the Alanian population of the Southwestern Crimea. A burial of a warrior with the tip of a spear or a dart was found in the crypt. The warriors buried at the burial ground near Luchistoe were armed with swords (short or long), or stabbing weapons. Judging by the accompanying grave goods, the warriors armed with swords belonged to the elite, while the spearmen were ordinary members of the community.