ИСТИНА

The dynamics of the natural environment of the Volga River Delta is inextricably linked to the transgressive-regressive cycles of the Caspian Sea. The Baer's knolls are the key to the search for geomorphological landmarks reflecting the oscillations of the Caspian Sea, especially during the existence of settlements of the Volga Khazar kaganate in the study area. The paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of sediments and landforms of the central part of the Volga River Delta in the area of the Semibugry archaeological complex (Astrakhan region) an ancient settlement of the Khazar Kaganate epoch. Archaeological finds of the Saltovo-Mayak culture, which is identified with the time of the Khazar Kaganate (8th-10th centuries), were found on the knoll. In the southwestern part of the surface there is an abundance of red and gray clay pottery. During the period of settlements' existence (8th - early 10th centuries), the level of the Caspian Sea was presumably low (-30 - -33 m abs.), and more areas in the Volga Delta were occupied. During the periods of the Caspian Sea level rise (6-8th centuries, the second half of the 10th century), most settlements were located on the Baer knolls, which at that time became islands, while others probably occupied areas in the upper reaches of the Volga Delta. Judging by the traces of ancient coastlines on the Baer knolls, as well as the altitudinal position of the Khazar settlements of that time, the level of the Caspian Sea in these time intervals could rise to about -24 m abs. The research was carried out within the framework of RNF grant 25-27-00357 “Climato-hydrological events during the Early Middle Ages (VI-X cc.) on the territory of the Volga River Delta”.