Mark Aleshkovsky Medievalist historian and archaeologist Date of Birth: 24.03.1933 Country: Dive

1. Early Life and Education
2. Archaeological Excavations
3. Research and Dissertation
4. Later Years and Publications
5. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Mark Aleshkofsky was born on March 24, 1933, to Khaim Iosifovich Aleshkofsky, a decorated World War II veteran. His brother was the prominent writer Yuz Aleshkovsky. In 1951, he enrolled in the History Department of Moscow State University, specializing in archaeology.

Archaeological Excavations

After graduating in 1956, Aleshkofsky joined the Central Scientific Restoration Workshops (CNHRM). He led excavations in several cities, including Novgorod, Pskov, and Smolensk. His groundbreaking work in Novgorod (1956-1960) unearthed the wooden and earthen defensive systems of the Detinets, foundations of stone buildings, and over-the-gate churches.

Research and Dissertation

In 1962, Aleshkofsky moved to Leningrad to pursue a postgraduate degree at the State Hermitage Museum. However, he returned to Moscow in 1964 and defended his doctoral dissertation on "The Tale of Bygone Years" in 1968.

Later Years and Publications

During his later years, Aleshkofsky focused on the archaeological study of the defensive fortifications of Novgorod's Okoľny Gorod. His final publications explored the origins of Novgorod and the Old Russian state.

Personal Life

Mark Aleshkofsky's sons include the writer Pyotr Aleshkofsky and Dmitry Aleshkofsky.