The work is devoted to the study of early medieval monuments located on the central plateau of the Donetsk ridge and in the Northeast Azov region. Archaeological materials of the late VII - mid X century are introduced into scientific circulation, obtained as a result of the study of individual settlements, their place in the system of synchronous monuments of the Northern Black Sea region is determined. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the ceramic complex, economic activities, methods of housing construction of the population of the Donetsk steppes in the era of the Khazar Khaganate is given, aspects of spiritual culture are touched upon.