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

The settlement is located on a large 20-metre mountain, which protects it from the South. Today from previously existing reliable fortifications there is only a Crescent earth wall, which reaches a height of over three meters – probably, here was the entrance tower. The total area of settlement "Magic town" is approximately 0, 45 hectares. it is Clear that the perimeter around the shaft and was the moat, his outline barely perceptible.

A distinctive feature of this mound is existing today, an underground passage that leads to the river. At the foot of the cliff is the entrance to the cave, penetrating to the very depths – to the fortifications. In some places you may notice that the ceiling height exceeds two meters, but more than nine meters pass does not work.

The first mention of this architectural monument date from 1851, when it was written in the historical literature. In 1904 in the local area was carried out archaeological research, the results of which revealed that the enhancement applies to 16-17 centuries. Most researchers erroneously concluded that this object should be included in the system defense line, because truly he is even more ancient. If we take into account the materials relating to archaeological researches, which were widely known in the period of the great Patriotic war, "Pike township" should be attributed to the 12th-14th century. It turns out that the architectural monument is among the fortifications of ancient fortifications.

Today we can fully imagine how it looked like the settlement in the past, even in the time of existence of Russia it was a grandiose structure. At that time it was surrounded with a palisade, and on one side was situated the citadel-the citadel, to which flocked many local populations in times of impending danger.

In ancient times the earth wall was reached five meters, while the height of the wall was reached more than three meters. In the upper part was a battle move is equipped with a roof and a well-defended shots. Width of the entry tower was almost three meters and is securely guarded by large gates of the fortress. For an unexpected way to penetrate into the enemy rear, used a secret underground passage, which was able to survive until today.

Especially interesting is the Crescent shape of the existing shafts. Judging by the statement archaeologist of Rapport, it is this form due to the use of catapults. The maximum height of the shaft is observed by the alleged attack by stones from the river and the rock shaft is almost absent. It is known that existed in Russia propelling machinery has been recognized only in the second half of the 12th century and existed until the moment when there was a gunshot gun. Along with the troops were transported and metal parts, and the construction was assembled from wood and directly on site.

In the matter of function "magic town" is more plausible is the so-called "Varangian" version, according to which the local population is initially traded. Scandinavian – the Vikings – for 10-12 centuries tried to establish trade links across the Slavic lands from the southern countries. One of these routes was worn by the famous name "From the Varangians to the Greeks" and took place directly next to the settlement.

Today, the archaeological site of Pike township" is not completely understood, so residents of the village Sokolovka expect that this interest will not remain without attention.