Naples Scythian in the Crimea

A key role in the life of the Black Sea and Asia Minor played by the Scythians ruling here for many centuries. Lived in this territory from the 7th century BC. E. To the 3rd century AD. They left behind a large number of historical monuments, including Naples Scythian.

The History of the Scythians

Tribes, which in the first millennium BC. Occupied a vast territory from the Altai to the Danube, in the 7th century BC. E. Moved to the northern Black Sea coast and the steppes of the Crimea, where Naples is Scythian. This people called the ancient Greeks Scythians.

Discussions about who such Scythians are, are still conducted. According to some scientists, they are the indigenous inhabitants of the Black Sea region, others say that these tribes came here from the territories of modern Iran.

Among the many legends about the origin of this people, recorded by Herodotus during a visit to Scythia in the 5th century BC. E., only one he treated with confidence. It says that the nomadic Scythians, fleeing the war against the Massagets, left Asia and retired to Cimmerian land.

However, from other legends, in spite of their fantastic nature, you can also learn a lot of interesting things. The bulls, horses, plow and yoke mentioned in them indicate that the main activities of the Scythians were cattle breeding and farming. This is confirmed by numerous archaeological findings.

During the formation of the first Scythian state association, the capital that was on the Dnieper was transferred to Naples Scythian. Due to its location, Crimea was more convenient both in military and in trade terms.

The capital of the Scythians

Founded in the 3rd century BC. E., Naples Scythian is located in the eastern part of present-day Simferopol, at the intersection of all trade routes, thus uniting all the settlements of the Scythian state. The city was considered the capital of the later Scythians, was a commercial and cultural center. Based on the study of this historical monument, scientists came to the conclusion that the late Scythians had their own state structure and culture, subject to the influence of the Greeks and Sarmatians.

During the reign of King Skilur in the 2nd century BC. E. The state reached its peak. Despite numerous wars with Greek colonial cities, Naples Scythian remained the main city of the state for six centuries. His first failure was in 110-109 BC. E., during the reign of the son of Skilur, who went down in history as an unfortunate commander. The city was completely destroyed and burnt by Diophantus, but in time it was restored.

Finally was destroyed Naples during the assault is ready in the 3rd century AD. E. However, in the era of the campaigns of Svyatoslav of Kiev (10th century) the city was inhabited.

Features of the structure

Naples Scythian was located so that the defensive lines had to be erected exclusively from the south, since on the other sides the city was reliably protected by natural obstacles. In the northeast, towering cliffs, a deep girder shielded the capital from the west.

Settled on 20 hectares of land, the city had a large trading area in the center where transactions were made. For the entrance there were three gates: the western, eastern and central (for the triumph of the kings). On the perimeter stood six defensive towers, which towered above the buildings by 8 meters. The city was populated according to class membership: in the east the military lived, in the west settled to know, and on the outskirts - simple brands.

The burial places in the settlement also passed according to the principle mentioned above. Knowing was buried in rich crypts, sometimes even with servants and objects of everyday life. The poor were given a place for burial in the suburbs.

Archaeological excavations

After Crimea in the 18th century was annexed to Russia, the construction of Simferopol began. People used to build materials from the walls of an ancient building to erect houses.

Due to the fact that one day a local resident, who discovered plates with ancient Greek inscriptions, turned to the director of the Kerch Museum, Blaramberg, excavations began. Among other things, during these excavations, a relief with the image of King Skilur and his son was discovered.

Archaeological research continued until the revolution. It was found several crypts, the remains of dwellings with household pits, a large number of inventory.

In the late 40s of the 20th century, thanks to large-scale excavations by historians, the mausoleum of Skilur, the burial place of the Scythian nobility, was discovered. Here were found invaluable artifacts, which replenished the museums of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Scythian Naples today

Despite its historical value and uniqueness, Naples Scythian, for a long time not receiving due attention, was ... a local dump. Only in 2011 it became a historical reserve and was protected by law from illegal excavations and developments.

Unfortunately, for today there is not much left of this settlement. The ruins of the southern wall, the foundations of the buildings and the mausoleum of Skilur are available for inspection. Only thanks to the guide you can imagine how life passed in this ancient city.

Fortunately, excavation continues. To date, only the twentieth part has been studied, so that a large string of discoveries is yet to come. Going on an excursion to Naples Scythian, you can participate in the search for treasures in the reserve.

How to get there

Naples Scythian (photo is presented in the article) is located at: Simferopol, ul. Archaeological, 1. You can get here by one of the many routes of public transport. After reaching the street Tarabukina, just a few minutes will have to walk to the Archaeological.

It is also possible from the city bus station to go along Vorovskogo Street to Naples. There, near the river, a path is laid along which you can climb a plateau. It is from here that the view of the main city of the later Scythians and the modern capital of the Crimea is best viewed.