Comments on the photos: The Arkaim fortified settlement 1965: A part of the aerial photographs of 1956 (enlarged 5.5x). Two concentric rings of white photo tone can be clearly seen (these are ruins of defence constructions) and a fragment of the third non-closed wall which surrounded Arkaim from the west which has been largely destroyed.

Parts of the surface which are defined by rings have a radial pattern created by an alternation of dwelling trenches and ruins of dwelling constructions and radial walls. There is a square area in the centre of Arkaim. It can be seen under a stereoscope that it is surrounded by a small barrier and a ditch.

To the south�east of the settlement on a small hill there can be deciphered a square construction partially destroyed by the bed of the river which consists of interchanging small ditches and holes (filled with humus) and a mound discernable only after considerable enlargement under a stereoscope. In the centre there is a soil burial mound. The construction on the modern surface is now totally destroyed.

The Arkaim fortified settlement1978: A part of the aerial photographs of 1978 (enlarged 5x). Comparing it with the photo of Arkaim in 1956 one notes the absence of the outer (third) wall though the radial structure. The edge of the terrace is smoothed, levelled and looks gently sloping. There can be clearly seen breaks in the outer defence wall � the entries to the settlement, radial walls filled with humus of moats which surround the settlement from the outer side.

To the north�west of the settlement one can see what is thought to be signs of irrigation agriculture with irrigation canals, ridges and drainage ditches located in the flood plain of the river. On the photo it is shown by a parallel � striped image and a clear micro relief which is visible under a stereoscope.