On a small river sturgeon, about 1, 5 km from the village Sokolovka, is an interesting archaeological site called "pike town." It is the most beautiful place in this small village, while he is under state protection as an archaeological monument.

Mound is a large 20-meter-high hill that protects it from the south. To date, the previously existing fortifications reliable Crescent has only earthen wall, which reaches a height of more than three meters - probably, there was an entry tower. The total area of ​​the settlement "pike town" is about 0, 45 ha. It is clear that the perimeter around the shaft was located and moat, with its outline barely perceptible.

A distinctive feature of the settlement is available today underground passage that leads to the river. At the foot of the cliff is the entrance to the cave, penetrating into the depths - the fortifications. In some places, you will notice that the ceiling height exceeds the mark of two meters, but more than nine meters will not pass.

The first mentions of this architectural monument relate to 1851, when it was written about in the history books. In 1904, in the local area were carried out archaeological research, the results of which revealed that the strengthening relates to 16-17 centuries. Most scholars wrongly concluded that the object should be included in the system of defense line, because really it is even more ancient. If you take into consideration material relating to archaeological studies, which have been widely recognized in the period of the Great Patriotic War, the "pike town" must be attributed to the 12-14 century. It turns out that the architectural monument is one of the fortifications of ancient fortifications.

Today, full-scale, we can imagine how it looked mound in the past, because in the days of Russia it was a grand structure. While it has been fenced using the stockade, and one hand was placed Detinets-stronghold, which came together a huge number of local people during the approaching danger.

In ancient times the earth mound reached the mark of five meters, with a height of the wall was more than three meters. At the very top is a combat course, equipped with a roof and a well-defended shooters. The width of the entrance of the tower is about three meters long and heavily guarded gates of the fortress. To an unexpected way to penetrate into the enemy's rear, used secret underground passage, which could continue until today.

Especially interesting is the crescent shape of existing trees. Judging by the statements archaeologist Rapport, this form is due to the use kamnemetnyh machines. The most largest shaft height observed by the alleged bombardment of stones, while from the river and the rock shaft is almost absent. It is known that existed in Russia catapults were recognized in the second half of the 12th century and lasted until the moment when there were bullet guns. Together with the troops transported and metal parts, while the construction itself from the tree and was going directly to the site.

The issue features "Shchuchye town" more plausible is the so-called "Varangian" version, according to which the local population was initially engaged in trading. The inhabitants of Scandinavia - Vikings - 10-12 over the centuries have tried to establish trade links across the Slavic lands to the southern countries. One such route wore well-known name "from the Vikings to the Greeks" and took place right next to the fort.

Today the archaeological site "pike town" is not fully understood, so the villagers Sokolivka counting on the fact that this interest is not left unattended.