History of Crimea from ancient times to the present. A brief history of Crimea from ancient times to the present day

Crimea is one of amazing places Earth. Due to its geographical location it was located at the junction of the habitats of different peoples, standing on the path of their historical movements. The interests of many countries and entire civilizations collided in such a small territory. The Crimean Peninsula has more than once become the scene of bloody wars and battles, and was part of several states and empires.

Varied natural conditions attracted the most peoples to Crimea different cultures and traditions For nomads there were vast pastures, for cultivators - fertile lands, for hunters - forests with plenty of game, for sailors - convenient bays and bays, a lot of fish. Therefore, many peoples settled here, becoming part of the Crimean ethnic conglomerate and participants in all historical events on the peninsula. In the neighborhood lived people whose traditions, customs, religions, and ways of life were different. This led to misunderstandings and even bloody clashes. Civil strife stopped when there was an understanding that it was possible to live and prosper well only in peace, harmony and mutual respect.

Surrounded warm seas with a unique climate and natural resources, the Crimean peninsula has been the center of civilizations, a crossroads of paths, cultures and religions since the beginning of time.

Prehistoric Crimea

Early evidence of human settlement of the peninsula dates back to 40-50 thousand BC. These are several Cro-Magnon sites in the caves of the Crimean mountains.
The first to meet the Hellenes who landed on the shores of Crimea were the Tauri. From them the peninsula received the name Tauris. Cultural traces of the Taurians date back to the 10th century. BC.
The northern part of the peninsula was inhabited by the Cimmerians. Their nomadic life did not leave them cultural monuments. But mention of the people was kept in geographical names for a long time.
In the 7th century BC. the Cimmerians were pushed back by those who came from Central Asia Scythians, who formed a state with its center in Scythian Naples (Simferopol). In the 3rd Scythians they were replaced by their related Sarmatians, and in the 4th-5th centuries. - Huns.
In the 3rd century. Northern Crimea survived the invasion of one of the branches of the ancient Germanic tribal union of the Goths. They dominated until the 7th century, and traces of their community could be traced until the 17th century.

Antique Crimea

in the 7th century BC. Hellenic colonists created the Bosporan kingdom on the southern coast with the cities of Kalos Limen (Black Sea), Kerkinitida (Evpatoria), Chersonesus (Sevastopol), Feodosia, Cimmeric, Nymphaeum, Panticapaeum (Kerch). The Greeks brought agriculture, winemaking, crafts, fishing, trade to the peninsula, and waged wars with the Scythians, Taurians, and Sarmatians.
In the 1st century the Romans replaced the Greeks. They stationed a garrison and a squadron in Chersonesus, built the fortresses of Kharaks (Cape Ai-Todor), Alma-Kermen (northern foothills), and in Balaklava Bay. The Roman road has been preserved at the Shaitan Merdven (Devil's Staircase) pass.
In the 4th century. Rome was pushed aside by the Byzantine Empire. The Orthodox Greeks who settled across the peninsula mixed with the local population and formed a separate ethnic group, later called the Crimean Greeks.
From the 7th century Byzantium and the Khazar Kaganate constantly fought for Taurica. Kyiv prince Svyatoslav in the 9th century. defeated Khazaria. His squads regularly plundered Khazar settlements and took tribute from Chersonesus. At the end of the 10th century. The Kiev prince Vladimir made Khazaria a tributary and adopted Christianity in Chersonesos. The raids stopped, trade and cultural relations began.

Medieval Crimea

In the 13th century. The Republic of Genoa took over the former Byzantine colonies. The Genoese built the fortresses of Chembalo (at the entrance to Balaklava Bay), Aluston (Alushta), Sudak, Kafa (Feodosia).
In the 13th century. the main force was the union of Asian nomadic tribes - Golden Horde. After several raids, the Horde Tatars settled on the peninsula, formed a large ethnic core of Tavria and founded Crimean Khanate with the capital Solkhat (Bakhchisarai).
In 1475, the Ottoman Turks, who invaded Crimea, captured the Genoese colonies and created their center in Cafe. The Crimean Khanate submitted Ottoman Empire.

Russian Crimea

The threat to the southern borders became the cause of the wars of the Russian and Ottoman empires, as a result of which Crimea became part of Russia in 1783. Most Muslims emigrated to Turkey, and the peninsula was populated by families of retired military personnel and serfs from the Azov region. The cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol grew.
In the war of 1854-1855. With the united army of Turkey, France and England, Russia was defeated. But already in 1861, after the abolition of serfdom, enterprises and palaces began to be built, railways were laid, and spa treatment began to develop.
The Soviet government, established in 1921, transferred all the palaces to health institutions, turning the republic into an “all-Union health resort.” After the German occupation 1941-1944. it took 10 years to restore the peninsula's infrastructure.
In 1954, the Presidium of the USSR Armed Forces transferred Crimea from the RSFSR to the Ukrainian SSR, and the Crimean region was transformed into the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. In March 2014, following the results of a referendum, Crimea joined the Russian Federation. After two years of adaptation, it became part of the Southern Federal District.

Contrary to the wishes of Russian propaganda, the history of the peninsula did NOT begin with its colonization by the Russian Empire in 1783.

Since the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Empire in the 18th century, as in 2014, the Russians have done everything possible to eradicate the memory of Crimea's former splendor and power. However, it has always been a place where Western and Eastern civilizations intersect, combining the best of their sides and creating its own identity. It’s not for nothing that the peninsula’s coat of arms bears the motto: “Prosperity in unity.”

When does the history of Crimea begin?

Historians date the first traces of civilization in Crimea to the 12th century BC. Then the first settlers, the Cimmerians, came to the lands of the peninsula. Traces of their presence are reflected in the toponymy of the region. For example, the ancient name of the strait connecting Black and Sea of ​​Azov was the Cimmerian Bosporus. Later, the city of Cimmeric will appear in the Greek colonies near modern Kerch.

In the 7th century BC. The Cimmerian tribes from Asia are replaced by the warlike Scythians. In the steppes of the Black Sea region and in the northern part of Crimea, they founded a powerful state - Scythia, whose people were considered invincible. Culture and high organization gave the Scythians the opportunity to build a state from the Don to the Danube, and military training and cunning - to maintain it. The most powerful tribe lived on the territory of Crimea and nearby territories - the royal Scythians.

The Scythians gained fame as invincible warriors after the failed military campaign of the Persian king Darius I. Having brought his troops all the way to the Danube, he was unable to gain a foothold anywhere and did not take part in a single battle. The Scythians used scorched earth tactics, leaving behind burned fields and destroyed wells, which did not allow the enemy to get comfortable. Finding no resistance, and, at the same time, no resources, the army retreated, and the Scythians were able to return to their lands.

Historians testify that the Scythians constantly improved their military methods. They used weapons that were quite modern at that time. Often, troops used iron swords, bronze weapons and bows, and protection was provided by square shields, slightly rounded at the corners, bought from the Greeks, and “armored” shirts. Along with scorched earth, the Scythians used the "horse strike", sending a detachment of cavalry into the heart of the enemy, creating the illusion of retreat, luring the enemy to a more advantageous point of battle and depleting his resources.

The Scythian state was able to repel Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great and Alexander the Great himself. However, having resisted the onslaught of “civilized” peoples, the Scythians were unable to cope with the barbarians. In the second half of the 3rd century they were supplanted by the Goths, and those, in turn, by the Huns.

In the 6th century BC. the Tauri came to the southwest of the peninsula, giving it its first historical name - Tavria, Tavrida, Tavrika. At the same time, mentions of the peninsula appear in the works of the father of history, Herodotus, and the ancient Greek historian Hellanicus. The records of the latter indicate that in ancient times the Amazons, warlike female tribes, also lived on the territory of Crimea. The historian points out that they crossed the Cimmerian Bosporus on ice - that is, it froze completely. The Kerch Strait is also found in ancient Greek mythology. Aeschylus calls it the “Cow Ford,” because according to legend, Zeus’s mistress named Io, exiled and turned into a cow by Hera, swam through it.

Herodotus draws attention to the Tauri themselves and their way of life. Despite the interest of the Greeks in these lands, the Tauri for a long time protected their lands from the penetration of the Hellenes. The Greeks captured at sea were immediately sacrificed to the goddess Diva, and their ships were sent to the bottom of the sea. Ancient historians recorded the high military organization and valor of the Tauri. When going to war, they always dug up roads in the rear, making them impassable. Thus, the warriors could not retreat, and had to return victorious or die.

Greek Crimea

Having settled in the northern lands, the Scythians began to feel the need to establish trade contacts. With the light hand of their ruler, Greek villages appeared in the area of ​​the Kerch Peninsula. Having previously called the Black Sea “Pontus Aksinsky”, that is, unfriendly, due to the relatively cold climate and attacks of barbarian peoples, they rename it “Pont Euxinsky”, which means “hospitable”. Constant increase in population and limited quantity lands for cultivation push the Greeks further away in search of new lands. Gradually they will settle around the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

In VII BC. A number of Greek trading cities appeared - Olbia, Borysthenes. Gradually, at least 70 Greek settlements grew in Crimea, and the first of them was Panticapaeum - modern Kerch. The Greeks build cities on both sides of the strait, and explore the south and west of Crimea. Among the cities they created, the only one that retained its ancient name is Feodosia. The extreme points of settlement of the Greeks were the western cities - Kerkinitida - on the site of modern Evpatoria and, on the site of Sevastopol - Tauride Chersonesos.

Along with active trade, the Greeks brought their culture and religion to the peninsula, building houses, stadiums and temples. In addition, it is to Crimea that the democratic tradition is being brought for the first time. Each city receives the status of a polis - essentially an independent state with its own lands. Power is shared among all freeborn citizens. Everyone had their own plot of land, and in case of war, they became a member of the people's army - the basis of the armed forces of the polis. The cities of the colony had their own constitution, laws and courts, and also minted their own coins.

The Bosporan Kingdom, which arose as a result of the unification of Greek cities, became indispensable from an economic point of view. It was from here that wood, fur, leather and bread were supplied to Athens. The latter was supplied no less than 1 million poods. This development made it possible to maintain an entire navy.

In the middle of the 2nd century AD. The Roman Empire subjugates Greece and all its policies. Crimea on for a long time falls into the orbit of the interests of the ancient Romans.

At the end of the 5th century AD, after the split of the Roman Empire, Tauria came under the protectorate of Byzantium, and Chersonesus became its center. It is from this city that the new religion - Christianity - will most actively spread.

Crimea and Kievan Rus

Several centuries later, Kievan Rus became a powerful political entity. Its troops reach the Crimea, on whose territory the first Slavic settlements appear. After the more than successful campaign of Prince Svyatoslav, a naval outpost of Rus' - the Tmutarakan Principality - appeared on the shores of the Black Sea. Svyatoslav's grandson Mstislav comes to the Tmutarakan throne. He regularly carries out raids on Byzantium, however, Chersonesus, or as it is called in the annals of the Rus - Korsun, remains untouched.

In 978, a coup d'état was brewing in Byzantium. Wanting to retain power, Emperor Vasily II turns to Prince Vladimir for military support. It is this event that becomes the starting point for the beginning of an important milestone in the history of Rus' - baptism. The prince agrees, but demands the undisputed fulfillment of his promises by the Byzantine side. The guarantor of the agreement should be a marriage between him and the emperor’s sister, Princess Anna.

Vladimir fulfilled his part of the agreement and helped suppress the rebellion. Having strengthened his power, Vasily II postpones fulfilling his promises. It seems impossible to him to give his sister to a barbarian and a pagan. Then Vladimir strikes at the Byzantine center in the Crimea - Chersonesos.

According to historians, the siege of the city lasted 9 months. According to legend, the prince was given a note indicating the location of the wells through which the city's water supply is provided. The Russians destroyed them and took a wait and see attitude. Exhausted residents were forced to open the gates, letting in the enemy. The priest Anastas becomes the prince’s friend and adviser; as it turns out, it was he who gave the clue about the water supply. He told the prince about Orthodoxy, and prepared the ground for a step that would bring Christianity to all of Rus'. In 988, Vladimir received baptism in the Church of the Holy Apostle James. From Kherson to Kyiv the prince brought the relics of saints and some church utensils (crosses, icons, vessels, including a bronze quadriga from ancient times) and, of course, a new wife.

XIII century - new era of Crimea

Europeans are losing their dominant position on the peninsula to Asian conquerors. A significant part of Crimea is inhabited by the Cumans, who are considered to be the ancestors of the current Crimean Tatars, and later the peninsula becomes part of the Golden Horde.

The Mongol-Tatars finally settled in Crimea only after Batu Khan came to Europe. Then seven clans separated from the Mongol-Tatar troops and went to the Crimea. A division of the Tatars into steppe and south-coast Tatars arises. The control of the conquered lands is carried out by the governor of the Golden Horde Khan. He collected tribute, had the right to judge, and was involved in local government. The governor's residence was located in a city formerly called Solkhat, now Stary Krym. The Tatars called it Crimea. Later this name became common for the entire peninsula. Historians believe that the name comes from the word “kyrym”, that is, “ditch”. Solkhat becomes the center of trade routes. Goods flocked there from all the territories captured by the Horde.

The powerful trading point interested the Genoese, who settled in Cafe and settled on these lands for 200 years. In total there were about 40 Italian settlements on the peninsula. They ensured the movement of goods to the West. At the same time, the peninsula was divided into three parts - captured by the Horde, developed by the Genoese and the lands of the Christian principality of Theodoro. The territory of the latter occupied 90 hectares and was located on a mountain plateau, which made it possible to reliably fortify the city. In the 15th century, the population of the principality was 200 thousand people, which by medieval standards is not so small. Used here modern weapons and guns, developed culture and religion.

The Ottoman Turks put an end to the principality. After a long siege, they feigned a retreat, luring out Theodoro's defenders and forcing them to open the entrance to the city.

Crimean Khanate

After a long internal struggle for power, the peninsula finally gains a certain autonomy. In 1428, the Crimean Khanate emerged. During the reign of the Horde, Crimea was replaced by at least 40 khans. With the arrival of the Turks, everything changes. Crimea finally becomes part eastern world and turns into a Turkish district. The capture of Constantinople makes it extreme point for trade with the West. The Genoese, ousted by the Turks, return to their homeland, and the city of Cafa from the powerful shopping center turns into the largest slave market. Having lost the economic ties of this region with Europe, and experiencing a crisis, the Turks are finding just such a way out. Soon the glory of the center of the slave trade will be assigned to the entire Crimea. From here, hundreds of prisoners are transported to the East, who are captured during raids on nearby territories.

Crimea and its khans become vassals of Turkey. They participate in the military campaigns of the Ottomans, collect tribute, but sometimes have the right to pursue an independent policy.

New examples of architecture and a new culture are appearing on the peninsula. The houses are mostly one-story, the streets are crooked and narrow. Real splendor can be seen in the palaces of officials and, of course, the khan himself. It is interesting that, despite expansion, the Turks leave room for many cultures - along with mosques, Catholic churches and Jewish synagogues are being built in Crimea.

Despite the high organization of the khanate, it did not have its own army. All men who could take up arms were considered warriors. Therefore, from childhood, boys were taught the skills of wielding weapons, horseback riding and endurance. Well armed and provided with horses, the Tatars carried out two types of military campaigns - combat, when they acted on the side of one of the warring parties, and robberies.

The creation of the Zaporozhye Sich became an obstacle to Tatar raids. The Cossacks are gradually conquering the steppe and carrying out campaigns against Crimea and Turkey. They free the prisoners and rob the Turks.

When the Crimean Khan tried to get rid of Turkey's protectorate, the Cossacks led by Hetman Doroshenko came to his aid. The political move failed, but the Cossacks freed many prisoners.

Khmelnytsky's failed deal and the occupation of Crimea by the Russian Empire

The experience of unsuccessful cooperation between the Ukrainian hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky and the Crimean khan Islam-Girey is also known. Fearing the growing power of the Cossacks, the khan prevented Khmelnitsky from defeating the Poles. Thus, for the second time after its baptism, Crimea plays an important role in the fate of Ukraine - the Ukrainian hetman enlists support Russian Empire, and part of the Ukrainian lands fall under its protectorate.

Khmelnitsky's political move becomes a death sentence for the Crimean Khanate. The borders of the empire are approaching the peninsula. The desire to eliminate the threat of constant Tatar raids, and Russia's maritime ambitions, force it to undertake several military campaigns in Crimea.

The first such campaign in 1687 was led by Prince Golitsyn. However, before reaching the peninsula itself, the army returns home due to the heat, lack of provisions and water. Two years later, the prince makes a new attempt to recapture Crimea. An army of one hundred thousand reaches Perekop, where it enters into negotiations with the khan, however, he becomes less and less accommodating, and his reserves are depleted faster and faster. The Russian army is retreating again. Next, the Russians undertake two more campaigns under the command of Field Marshal Burchard Munnich and Peter Lassi. They burn Bakhchisarai, the former splendor of which will never be restored, and occupy several cities, but hunger and disease force them to retreat again.

The exhausted Khanate cannot withstand another campaign. In 1771, the campaign under the command of General Fyodor Shcherbatov and Prince Dolgorukov finally brought success. Selim-Girey capitulates and escapes from Crimea. Peninsula Announcement independent state, and he enters into an alliance with the Russian Empire. After the annexation of Crimea in 1783, the entire Muslim population of the peninsula began to be called Tatars. At the end of the 18th century there were up to 500 thousand of them.

Russia gets the opportunity to pass through the Bosporus and Dardanelles, and create a navy, and Crimea is promised independence. In order to keep the nominal promise, Katerina places her protege Shagin-Girey on the throne. In order to avoid claims from Turkey, the khan asks to send troops who legally occupied the entire territory of the peninsula. In 1777, the population of Crimea rebelled against the Khan and Russia. Field Marshal General Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky sent in additional troops and suppressed the rebellion. Commander Russian troops Alexander Suvorov is appointed to the Khanate.

In 1783, Catherine II proclaimed the inclusion of Crimea into the Russian Empire. In 1784 it became part of the Tauride region. Thousands of Tatars emigrated to Turkey, and the peninsula was settled by Russians, mostly retired soldiers. Later, Greeks and Bulgarians, immigrants from Turkey, appeared on the peninsula.

In 1787, Catherine II decides to visit Crimea. Then “Potemkin villages” grow along the territory of its route. Prince Grigory Potemkin organizes the construction of palaces, villages, and even prepares a small exhibition of the fleet: 3 ships, 20 frigates, 20 small boats, 3 bombers and 2 fire ships. The Empress and her guest ambassadors leave the peninsula with full confidence in the great future of Crimea. Potemkin is actively involved in the development of Sevastopol and equipping the Black Sea Fleet. The development of agricultural lands, the construction of houses, wells, and roads occurs under Fyodor Ushakov.

Then stagnation begins. The economic situation of the peninsula depends on the allocations for the maintenance of the fleet, and on the personality of its commander, his ability to convince the king to allocate certain funds. In 1854, the combined fleet of England and France approached the shores of Evpatoria, 62,000 the army is coming to Sevastopol. The defense was led by Vladimir Kornilov, Pavel Nakhimov, Vladimir Istomin. Later, an army led by Alexander Menshikov approached. Sevastopol was destroyed, but the Anglo-French fleet retreated, Russia is convinced of the advisability of maintaining a fleet and building naval bases in Crimea.

Soviet Crimea

In 1919, Soviet power came to the territory of Crimea. However, immediately after this, Crimea is occupied by the Germans, and they are replaced by troops from France, England and Greece. Within two years, at least seven governments changed on the peninsula.

Crimea changes hands, there are constant battles there, and people call it the “All-Russian cemetery.” After long confrontations, the Reds finally capture Crimea. Not wanting to live under the leadership of the “soviets,” about 150 thousand people leave the peninsula. In 1920, the Crimean Autonomous Socialist Republic emerged as part of the RSFSR, and the Red Terror unfolded.

During World War II, Crimea is occupied by the Germans. They plan to turn the peninsula into a resort for the Nazis. Soviet army recaptures the peninsula and immediately begins terror against the Crimean Tatars.

In 1944, before the end of the war, the NKVD and NKGB decided to cleanse the Crimean Peninsula of anti-Soviet elements. There were 23 thousand special forces soldiers and 9 thousand operatives operating in Crimea. In total, 228,500 people were to be evicted, more than 180,000 of them Crimean Tatars. Among the exiles were Greeks, Bulgarians and Armenians. Within a day, hundreds of people were evicted from their homes, branded traitors to their homeland, and exiled to Siberia.

On February 19, 1954, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued a Decree “On the transfer of the Crimean region from the RSFSR to the Ukrainian SSR.” On April 26 of the same year, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, by the law “On the transfer of the Crimean region from the RSFSR to the Ukrainian SSR,” approved the decree of its Presidium and made corresponding changes to Articles 22 and 23 of the USSR Constitution.

The transfer of Crimea to Ukraine turned out to be a necessary measure due to the collapse of the peninsula’s economy caused by post-war devastation and shortages work force after the deportation of the Crimean Tatars, and immigrants from Russian regions did not have the skills to farm in the steppe zones of Crimea. The indigenous inhabitants of the peninsula - the Crimean Tatars, whom Stalin forcibly evicted from native land. In the 50s, Ukrainian specialists came from mainland Ukraine to Crimea to restore the economy of the peninsula.

Ukrainian Crimea

In 1991, Crimea supported the independence of Ukraine. Voting in Crimea showed 54% support for independence throughout the peninsula, and 57% support in Sevastopol. Ukraine becomes independent, and Crimea receives the status of an Autonomous Republic.

The centuries-old history of Crimea demonstrates its diversity and deep ties with Europe. It was to him that the geopolitician Zbigniew Brzezinski assigned a special place in the construction of a new model European defense– from the Black Sea up to the Baltic. After receiving its long-awaited independence, Ukraine did NOT try to “Ukrainize” Crimea, maintaining a very loyal attitude towards the “brotherly language” and Russian culture on the peninsula.

Russia's imperial ambitions for foreign territory

The new Russian government, trying to revive its imperial ambitions, throughout the independence of Ukraine, pursued an information policy of hatred of Crimeans towards everything Ukrainian. Such propaganda was carried out for more than 20 years.

And, in the winter of 2014, taking advantage of the emerging information vacuum and ambiguous sentiments in Crimea, the Russian Federation occupied and later annexed the Ukrainian peninsula, which not only violated international law, but also created a precedent of “redistribution of territories” that was unthinkable for the 21st century and the civilized world.

Today many international organizations: Freedom House, Amnesty International, Human Rights, as well as the Ukrainian center for resistance to the Russian occupation of Crimea Free Crimea collected and presented facts of human rights violations (murder and persecution of Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians; closure of pro-Ukrainian media; extraction of property worth billions of dollars, etc.). n.) Russian occupiers on the peninsula. As report researchers note, these offenses will become evidence base V international courts in the cases of Ukraine against Russia, and Crimeans against Russia.

Having turned Crimea into a territory of total violation of rights, the occupiers were unable to cope with the economy of the peninsula: now Crimea is experiencing a sharp decline in the socio-economic standard of living. The euphoria of “return” quickly passes, and Crimeans are already looking at their future with “hungry eyes.” And this “hungry look,” as evidenced by the laws of history, leads to many uprisings and revolutions. And we hope, revolutions for independence.

Anna Cherevko, journalist for Free Crimea

The history of Crimea is very rich. Who was there on the lands of the peninsula, what historical events did not affect it! That is why they say that when you start studying the history of Crimea, you will inevitably study World History.

Crimea - the history of the peninsula in dates

80-40 thousand years ago- on the territory of the peninsula

15th-8th centuries BC e. - live in Crimea - nomadic people , mentioned by Homer and in, and , which ancient authors considered pirates sacrificing sailors to the goddess Virgo.

7th century BC e. - the Tauri were replaced by nomads from the north, who gradually moved to sedentary lifestyle life and founded powerful states.

6-5 centuries BC uh . — the first settlements were founded on the coast (Kerkinitida, Panticapaeum...). The colonists minted coins, engaged in crafts, agriculture, fishing, and traded with other peoples. The Greeks had a great influence on the culture of their neighbors.

70s AD

— the Romans came to the peninsula after defeating the Pontic king Mithridates the Sixth Eupator. In particular, they founded the Kharaks fortress on Cape Ai-Todor and built the first mountain road from it to Chersonesos.

4th-7th centuries AD

— The Great Migration of Peoples. New tribes are coming to Crimea - Alans. The ethnogenesis of the future Crimean population is taking place. 6th-12th centuries AD- education, the largest of which is the formation of an influential Christian

988 - capturing the city of Kherson (Korsun),

Kyiv prince

Vladimir marries the Byzantine princess Anna and; Christianization of Rus' takes place.

13th century - Venetian and then Genoese colonization of the Crimean coast. They were actively engaged in trade and, to protect their cities, they built powerful fortresses on almost the entire southern coast. 1239 - the campaign of the Mongol Khan Batu to Crimea, in 1242 the peninsula with its capital in Solkhat (), became part of the Golden Horde. 14th century - Karai, a people of Turkic origin, possibly descendants of the Khazars, who professed Judaism in a special form - Karaimism, began to settle in the destroyed and deserted cave cities. Unlike the Jews, they did not recognize the Talmud and remained faithful to the Torah.

1394 - destruction of Chersonesus

Lithuanian prince

Olgerdom.

1420-1466 - the founder of the dynasty of the Crimean khans, Hadji Giray, proclaims the Crimean Khanate independent and moves the capital to.

1475 - Crimea is attacked by the Ottoman Empire. The Turks capture and destroy Genoese fortresses, conquer the Principality of Theodoro, and subjugate the Crimean Khanate.

1787 - the visit to Crimea of ​​Empress Catherine II and Emperor Joseph II of Austria became one of the most expensive trips in the entire history of mankind.

1853-1856 - Eastern War (Crimean War since 1954). Russia is fighting against the coalition forces of England, France and the Kingdom of Sardinia, acting on the side of Turkey. Battles take place in the European part of Russia, on the Black Sea and Kamchatka. lasts 349 days.

1787-1791 - Second Russian-Turkish War, recognition by Turkey of the annexation of Crimea to Russia.

1875 - a railway line and a highway were brought to Sevastopol. Summer residences of the imperial family are being built on the South Bank. Crimea is becoming an aristocratic resort.

1918-1920 - after the revolution, Crimea is one of the last strongholds of the White Army under the command of General Wrangel. After fierce fighting, the Red Army wins, after which V.I. Lenin issues a decree “On the use of Crimea for the treatment of workers” - all palaces and dachas are given over to sanatoriums for workers, collective farmers and party workers.

1941-1942 - the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. The main blow of the German troops falls on. For the steadfastness and courage of the defenders, two Crimean cities - Sevastopol and Kerch - were awarded the title “Hero City”.

1944 - mass deportation of the peoples of Crimea for “collaboration with the occupiers”, among the victims were Crimean Tatars, Armenians, Bulgarians and Greeks.

February 4-11, 1945— . The heads of government of the USSR, USA and Great Britain decided on the division of Germany and reparations, on the participation of the USSR in the war with Japan and on membership Soviet Union at the UN, a new international organization.

1954 - by decision of the Secretary General of the CPSU N.S. Khrushchev, Crimea is transferred from the jurisdiction of the RSFSR to the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian SSR and becomes a region within Ukraine.

1991 - coup in Moscow and arrest of M.S. Gorbachev on his. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Crimea became an Autonomous Republic within Ukraine.

March 16, 2014 - a referendum on the status of the republic was held in Crimea, as a result of which the majority of Crimeans voted in favor of joining Russia. Two days later, an agreement was signed on the entry of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol into the Russian Federation as subjects.

History of Crimea briefly in dates on video

Crimea is a unique historical and cultural reserve, striking in its antiquity and diversity.

Its numerous cultural monuments reflect historical events, culture and religion of different eras and different peoples. The history of Crimea is an interweaving of East and West, the history of the Greeks and the Golden Horde, the churches of the first Christians and mosques. Here, for many centuries, different peoples lived, fought, made peace and traded, cities were built and destroyed, civilizations arose and disappeared. It seems that the very air here is filled with legends about the lives of the Olympian gods, Amazons, Cimmerians, Taurians, Greeks...

50-40 thousand years ago - the appearance and residence on the territory of the peninsula of a Cro-Magnon type man - ancestor modern man. Scientists have discovered three sites of this period: Syuren, near the village of Tankovoe, Kachinsky canopy near the village of Predushchelnoye in the Bakhchisarai region, Adzhi-Koba on the slope of Karabi-Yayla.

If before the first millennium BC. e. While historical data allows us to talk only about different periods of human development, later it becomes possible to talk about specific tribes and cultures of Crimea.

In the 5th century BC, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus visited the Northern Black Sea region and described in his works the lands and peoples living on them. It is believed that one of the first peoples who lived in the steppe part of Crimea in the 15th-7th centuries BC. there were Cimmerians. These warlike tribes left Crimea in the 4th - 3rd centuries BC new era because of the no less aggressive Scythians and got lost in the vast expanses of the Asian steppes. Perhaps only ancient toponyms remind us of the Cimmerians: Cimmerian Walls, Cimmerian Bosporus, Cimmeric...

They lived in the mountainous and foothill regions of the peninsula. Ancient authors described the Tauri as cruel, bloodthirsty people. Skilled sailors, they engaged in piracy, robbing ships sailing along the coast. Captives were sacrificed to the goddess Virgo (the Greeks associated her with Artemis), throwing them into the sea from a high cliff where the temple was located. However, modern scientists have established that the Tauri led a pastoral and agricultural lifestyle, were engaged in hunting, fishing, and collecting shellfish. They lived in caves or huts, and in case of an enemy attack they built fortified shelters. Archaeologists have discovered Taurus fortifications on the mountains Uch-Bash, Koshka, Ayu-Dag, Kastel, on Cape Ai-Todor, as well as numerous burials in the so-called stone boxes - dolmens. They consisted of four flat slabs placed on edge, the fifth covering the dolmen from above.

The myth about the evil sea robbers Taurus has already been debunked, and today they are trying to find the place where the temple of the cruel goddess of the Virgin stood, where bloody sacrifices were performed.

In the 7th century BC. e. Scythian tribes appeared in the steppe part of the peninsula. Under pressure from the Sarmatians in the 4th century BC. e. The Scythians concentrate in the Crimea and the lower Dnieper. Here, at the turn of the IV-III centuries BC. e. A Scythian state is formed with the capital Naples of Scythia (on the territory of modern Simferopol).

In the 7th century BC, Greek colonization of the Northern Black Sea region and Crimea began. In Crimea, in places convenient for navigation and living, the Greek “polises” arose: the city-state of Tauric Chersonesus (on the outskirts of modern Sevastopol), Feodosia and Panticapaeum-Bosporus (modern Kerch), Nymphaeum, Myrmekiy, Tiritaka.

The emergence of Greek colonies in the Northern Black Sea region strengthened trade, cultural and political ties between the Greeks and the local population; local farmers learned new forms of cultivation, growing grapes and olives. Greek culture had a huge influence on spiritual world Taurians, Scythians, Sarmatians and other tribes. But the relationship between different peoples was not easy. Peaceful periods gave way to hostile ones, wars often broke out, which is why Greek cities were protected by strong walls.

In the 4th century. BC e. Several settlements were founded on the western coast of Crimea. The largest of them are Kerkinitida (Evpatoria) and Kalos-Limen (Black Sea). In the last quarter of the 5th century BC. e. immigrants from the Greek city of Heraclea founded the city of Chersonesos. Now this is the territory of Sevastopol. TO beginning of III V. BC e. Chersonesos became a city-state independent from the Greek metropolis. It becomes one of the largest policies in the Northern Black Sea region. Chersonesos in its heyday was a large port city, surrounded by thick walls, a trade, craft and cultural center of the entire southwestern coast of Crimea.

Around 480 BC e. The Bosporan Kingdom was formed from the unification of initially independent Greek cities. Panticapaeum became the capital of the kingdom. Later, Theodosia was annexed to the kingdom.

In the 4th century BC, the Scythian tribes united under the rule of King Atey into a strong state that occupied a vast territory from the Southern Bug and the Dniester to the Don. Already at the end of the 4th century. and especially from the first half of the 3rd century. BC e. The Scythians and, probably, the Tauri, under their influence, exert strong military pressure on the "polises". In the 3rd century BC, Scythian fortifications, villages and cities appeared in the Crimea. The capital of the Scythian state - Naples - was built on the southeastern outskirts of modern Simferopol.

In the last decade of the 2nd century. BC e. Chersonesos, in a critical situation when Scythian troops besieged the city, turned to the Pontic Kingdom (located on the southern shore of the Black Sea) for help. Ponta's troops arrived in Chersonesos and lifted the siege. At the same time, Pontus' troops took Panticapaeum and Feodosia by storm. After this, both Bosporus and Chersonesus were included in the Pontic kingdom.

From approximately the middle of the 1st to the beginning of the 4th century AD, the sphere of interests of the Roman Empire included the entire Black Sea region and Taurica as well. Chersonesus became a stronghold of the Romans in Taurica. In the 1st century, Roman legionnaires built the fortress of Charax on Cape Ai-Todor, laid roads connecting it with Chersonese, where the garrison was located, and a Roman squadron was stationed in the Chersonese harbor. In 370, hordes of Huns fell on the lands of Tauris. Under their attacks, the Scythian state and the Bosporan kingdom perished; Naples, Panticapaeum, Chersonesus and many cities and villages lay in ruins. And the Huns rushed further to Europe, where they caused the death of the great Roman Empire.

In the 4th century, after the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern (Byzantine), the latter’s sphere of interests also included the southern part of Taurica. Chersonesus (it became known as Kherson) became the main base of the Byzantines on the peninsula.

Christianity came to Crimea from the Byzantine Empire. According to church tradition, Andrew the First-Called was the first to bring the good news to the peninsula; the third bishop of Rome, Saint Clement, who was exiled to Chersonesos in 94, carried out great preaching activities. In the 8th century, an iconoclasm movement began in Byzantium; icons and paintings in churches were destroyed. Monks, fleeing persecution, moved to the outskirts of the empire, including the Crimea. Here in the mountains they founded cave temples and monasteries: Uspensky, Kachi-Kalyon, Shuldan, Chelter and others.

At the end of the 6th century, a new wave of conquerors appeared in Crimea - these were the Khazars, whose descendants were considered to be the Karaites. They occupied the entire peninsula, with the exception of Cherson (as Chersonesos is called in Byzantine documents). From this time on, the city began to play a significant role in the history of the empire. In 705, Kherson separated from Byzantium and recognized the Khazar protectorate. To which Byzantium sent a punitive fleet with a landing party in 710. The fall of Kherson was accompanied by unprecedented cruelty, but before the troops had time to leave the city, it rose again. Having united with the punitive troops that had betrayed Byzantium and the Khazars’ allies, the troops of Cherson entered Constantinople and installed their own emperor.

In the 9th century, a new force actively intervened in the course of Crimean history - the Slavs. At the same time, the decline of the Khazar power occurred, which was finally defeated in the 60s of the 10th century by the Kyiv prince Svyatoslav Igorevich. In 988-989, the Kiev prince Vladimir took Kherson (Korsun), where he accepted the Christian faith.

During the 13th century, the Golden Horde (Tatar-Mongols) invaded Taurica several times, plundering its cities. Then they began to settle on the territory of the peninsula. In the middle of the 13th century, they captured Solkhat, which became the center of the Crimean yurt of the Golden Horde and was named Kyrym (like the entire peninsula subsequently).

In the 13th century (1270), first the Venetians and then the Genoese penetrated the southern coast. Having ousted their competitors, the Genoese created a number of fortified trading posts on the coast. Their main stronghold in Crimea becomes Kafa (Feodosia), they captured Sudak (Soldaya), as well as Cherchio (Kerch). In the middle of the 14th century, they settled in the immediate vicinity of Kherson - in the Bay of Symbols, founding the Chembalo (Balaklava) fortress there.

During the same period, the Orthodox principality of Theodoro was formed in the mountainous Crimea with its center in Mangup.

In the spring of 1475, a Turkish fleet appeared off the coast of Kafa. The well-fortified city was able to hold out under siege for only three days and surrendered to the mercy of the winner. Having captured coastal fortresses one after another, the Turks put an end to Genoese rule in the Crimea. The Turkish army met worthy resistance at the walls of the capital Theodoro. Having captured the city after a six-month siege, they ravaged it, killing the inhabitants or taking them into slavery. The Crimean Khan became a vassal of the Turkish Sultan.

The Crimean Khanate became the conductor of Turkey's aggressive policy towards the Moscow state. Constant Tatar raids on southern lands Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania and Poland.

Russia, which sought to secure its southern borders and gain access to the Black Sea, fought with Turkey more than once. In the war of 1768-1774. The Turkish army and navy were defeated, and in 1774 the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace Treaty was concluded, according to which the Crimean Khanate gained independence. Kerch with the fortress of Yoni-Kale, the fortresses of Azov and Kin-burn in the Crimea passed to Russia, Russian merchant ships could freely sail in the Black Sea.

In 1783 after Russian-Turkish war(1768-1774) Crimea was annexed to the Russian Empire. This contributed to the strengthening of Russia, its southern borders ensured the safety of transport routes on the Black Sea.

The majority of the Muslim population left Crimea, moving to Turkey, the region became depopulated and fell into desolation. In order to revive the peninsula, Prince G. Potemkin, appointed governor of Taurida, began to resettle serfs and retired soldiers from neighboring areas. This is how the new villages of Mazanka, Izyumovka, Chistenkoye appeared on the Crimean land... The works of His Serene Highness were not in vain, the economy of Crimea began to develop rapidly, orchards, vineyards, and tobacco plantations were laid out on the southern coast and in the mountainous part. On the shores of an excellent natural harbor, the city of Sevastopol was founded as a base for the Black Sea Fleet. Near the small town of Ak-Mechet, Simferopol is being built, which became the center of the Tauride province.

In January 1787, Empress Catherine II, accompanied by the Austrian Emperor Joseph I, traveling under the name of Count Fankelstein, ambassadors of the powerful countries of England, France and Austria and a large retinue, went to the Crimea to inspect new lands to demonstrate to her allies the power and greatness of Russia: The Empress stopped at travel palaces built especially for her. During lunch in Inkerman, the curtains on the window were suddenly parted, and the travelers saw Sevastopol under construction, warships greeting the empresses with volleys. The effect was amazing!

In 1854-1855 The main events of the Eastern War (1853-1856), better known as the Crimean War, took place in Crimea. In September 1854, the united armies of England, France and Turkey landed north of Sevastopol and besieged the city. The defense of the city continued for 349 days under the command of Vice Admirals V.A. Kornilov and P.S. Nakhimov. The war destroyed the city to the ground, but also glorified it throughout the world. Russia was defeated. In 1856, a peace treaty was concluded in Paris, prohibiting Russia and Turkey from having military fleets in the Black Sea.

Having been defeated in Crimean War, Russia was experiencing an economic crisis. The abolition of serfdom in 1861 allowed industry to develop faster; enterprises engaged in the processing of grain, tobacco, grapes, and fruits appeared in Crimea. At the same time, the resort development of the South Coast began. On the recommendation of doctor Botkin, the royal family acquires the Livadia estate. From this moment on, palaces, estates, and villas were built along the entire coast, which belonged to members of the Romanov family, court nobility, wealthy industrialists and landowners. In a matter of years, Yalta turned from a village into a famous aristocratic resort.

Construction had a great influence on the development of the region's economy railways, connecting Sevastopol, Feodosia, Kerch and Evpatoria with the cities of Russia. All higher value Crimea was also acquired as a resort.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Crimea belonged to the Tauride province; economically, it was an agricultural region with a small number of industrial cities. The main ones were Simferopol and the port cities of Sevastopol, Kerch, Feodosia.

Soviet power won in Crimea later than in the center of Russia. The Bolsheviks' stronghold in Crimea was Sevastopol. On January 28-30, 1918, the Extraordinary Congress of Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies of the Tauride Province took place in Sevastopol. Crimea was proclaimed the Soviet Socialist Republic of Taurida. It lasted a little over a month. At the end of April, German troops captured Crimea, and in November 1918 they were replaced by the British and French. In April 1919, the Red Army of the Bolsheviks occupied the entire Crimea, except for the Kerch Peninsula, where the troops of General Denikin fortified themselves. On May 6, 1919, the Crimean Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed. In the summer of 1919, Denikin’s army occupied the entire Crimea. However, in the fall of 1920, the Red Army led by M.V. Frunze again restored Soviet power. In the fall of 1921, the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed as part of the RSFSR.

Socialist construction began in Crimea. According to the decree signed by Lenin “On the use of Crimea for the treatment of workers,” all palaces, villas, and dachas were given over to sanatoriums where workers and collective farmers from all the union republics rested and were treated. Crimea has turned into an All-Union health resort.

During the Great Patriotic War, Crimeans bravely fought the enemy. The second heroic defense of Sevastopol, which lasted 250 days, the Kerch-Feodosia landing operation, the Tierra del Fuego of Eltigen, the feat of underground fighters and partisans became pages of the military chronicle. For the steadfastness and courage of the defenders, two Crimean cities - Sevastopol and Kerch - were awarded the title of hero city.

In February 1945, a conference of the heads of three powers - the USSR, the USA and Great Britain - took place at the Livadia Palace. At the Crimean (Yalta) Conference, decisions were made related to the end of the war with Germany and Japan, and the establishment of a post-war world order.

After the liberation of Crimea from the fascist occupiers in the spring of 1944, the restoration of its economy began: industrial enterprises, sanatoriums, rest homes, agriculture, and the revival of destroyed cities and villages. The expulsion of many peoples became a black page in the history of Crimea. The fate befell the Tatars, Greeks, and Armenians.

On February 19, 1954, a decree was issued on the transfer of the Crimean region to Ukraine. Today, many believe that Khrushchev made a royal gift to Ukraine on behalf of Russia. Nevertheless, the decree was signed by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Voroshilov, and Khrushchev’s signature is not present at all in the documents relating to the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine.

During the period of Soviet power, especially in the 60s - 80s of the last century, there was a noticeable growth in Crimean industry and agriculture, the development of resorts and tourism on the peninsula. Crimea, in fact, was known as an all-Union health resort. Every year, 8-9 million people from all over the vast Union vacationed in Crimea.

1991 - “putsch” in Moscow and the arrest of M. Gorbachev at his dacha in Foros. The collapse of the Soviet Union, Crimea becomes an Autonomous Republic within Ukraine, and Greater Yalta becomes the summer political capital of Ukraine and the countries of the Black Sea region.