CRIMEA : 2,000 - YEAR- OLD GREEK FORTRESS DISCOVERED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS

In 2016, researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Archaeology, have discovered the ruins of a fortress constructed by  Greeks.Archeologists believe that the rampart was built in the early part of the 3rd century BCE and later, in the 1st century BCE, during the reign of King Asander, it was fortified with watchtowers. These fortifications protected the Bosporan Kingdom and its capital at Panticapaeum (modern-day Kerch) from the nomadic and warlike Scythians, who controlled most of what is today known as Ukraine and southern Russia. The Bosporan Kingdom (Basileion tou Kimmerikou Bosporou) was an ancient Greek state established in eastern Crimea and around the present-day Strait of Kerch.  Panticapaeum was originally founded by Greeks in the 7th century BCE, and it grew to become the third largest city in the Ancient Greek world. Thracian kings took over the prosperous city and region in the middle of the 5th century BCE. 
 The excavated site also matches with the geographical attribute, with the defensive complex being situated near the village of Gornostayevka, located about 10 miles west of the city of Kerch.

 The ancient fortress had a defensive ditch, a gate, structural blocks made of masonry bricks, an ‘economic’ section with bored wells and a preserved ancient tower that overlooked a large part of the settlement. Additionally the archaeologists have also discovered several burials, including the tomb of a female (of presumed high status) buried with objects like a jug and bowl, earrings, beads and a bronze mirror.

As for the Bosporan Kingdom itself, the ancient Greek mercantile state prospered from its noted export of wheat, fish and slaves to mainland Greece. The strategic value of the realm was not lost on the Romans,who offered the client-state status to the kingdom (circa late 1st century CE) even after the subjugation of mainland Greece, thus making it the longest surviving client kingdom of the Romans. On the other hand, the realm also showcased its fascinating brand of cultural synthesis between the Greeks and the Eurasian nomads (Scythians and later Sarmatians), which was often mirrored by exotic artworks, including Bosporan architectural and sculptural specimens.


These excavations began in 2016 near Gornostayevka, as part of preparations for a planned gas pipeline to Crimea from the mainland Russia.

Images Credit: Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Archaeology

SOURCES : Realm of History , Russia Beyond