Fishing settlements in the Pskov region in the 16th century (according to archaeological data and written sources)

Abstract

Numerous written sources report that an extensive system of special fishing villages called isads existed in the Pskov region in the 16th century. These villages were inhabited by professional fishermen and their fishing grounds were strictly delineated. Due to the analysis of scribes books, cartographic material analysis and exploratory excavations in the area, 314 sites were exposed. More than 60% of the fishing sites mentioned in the scribes books were mapped and the location of 20% more was determined by indirect information. Some of the isads which were located are partially studied by prompt or archaeological excavations. During the excavations of beach debris, some fishing gear dated to the late Medieval–Modern time periods were found. The combination of information obtained from the study of lake coastline changes, hydrological regime of waterways and water bodies of the Pskov region, and data on the economy and economics of the whole area under study give impetus to research into a number of problems related to natural environmental characteristics of the Pskov region for the period of study.

Keywords:

• Fishery
• Fishing settlements
• Late medieval
• Modern times
• Pskov region
• Lake Peipus

View correction statement:

Erratum

Acknowledgements

Visiting and inspection of fishing settlements located in the Russian–Estonian border area became possible only thanks to the opportunities provided by the project ‘Archaeology, Authority and Community: cooperation to protect archaeological heritage’ in 2012–2013. I am also thankful to Sergei Salmin and Rosalia Podgornaya for their assistance in the maps study. Arlene Fradkin kindly improved the English.