Palaeogeographical and physicochemical research of soil within the ancient polis of Olbia

Abstract

The publication presents the results of the palaeosols study within the antic polis of Olvia, which was located within the Dnieper-Bug estuary near the modern village of Parutino (Mykolaiv region). Field palaeogeographic research was conducted here in 2007 (Zh. Matviishyna, O. Parkhomenko) and in 2021 (A. Kushnir). During the archaeological research, several soil profiles were investigated, their macromorphological analysis was made, and soil samples were taken. The micromorphological analysis and soil analysis were carried out for the content of biogenic elements along genetic horizons at the stage of laboratory research. The results of the palaeopedological analysis indicate that full-profile Chestnut soils salinized or Salinized soils were formed on the watersheds, and on the lower terraces in the South Bug River valley – dark Chestnut salinized soils or Southern chernozems salinized. The physical-chemical composition of the soil is demonstrated primarily its alkaline character and relatively homogeneous concentration of individual chemical elements. General palaeopedology research indicates that soil cover could be a favourable factor in urbanization processes in this area in Classical Antiquity.