On the southwestern coast of Crimea, washed by the waves of the Black Sea, the ancient Tauric Chersonesos rises, where the visitor comes face to face with the 25-century history of the great city. Even the ruins of this ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine polis beckon with their originality.
Secrets of Tauric Chersonesos
Modern Chersonesos is located on the site of an ancient city buried and disappeared under a layer of earth. In Greek it means "the Taurus peninsula", the warring tribes who lived here. The first settlers to the Cape of Heracles were the Greeks. The colony expanded and strengthened; subsequently, through diplomacy, wars of conquest, she succeeded and achieved prosperity. Chersonesus Tauride is a witness to the history of three great powers, of which were:
- the ancient civilization of the Greeks, Hellas;
- mighty Rome;
- Christian Byzantium.
Under Greek rule, democratic governance was combined with slave-owning foundations. An economically strong polis, under the auspices of the Supreme Artemis, participated in celebrations, festivities, and sports competitions. The chronicler Sirisk (III century BC) compiled a description of Chersonesos, foreign policy in relation to the Bosporus kingdom and the colonies of the Black Sea region. The Bosporus period was characterized for the republic by a decline in the economy, restriction of democratic freedoms.
The last hundred years BC e. the ancient city is known as a springboard for the Roman Empire. Aggressive actions are underway in the surrounding lands. The policy of the authorities is based on the principle of oligarchy.
The beginning of a new era is marked by the gradual introduction of Christianity under the influence of Byzantium. After 4 centuries, this doctrine was officially recognized. During the Middle Ages, the polis became the capital of Christianity, filled with monasteries, churches, hermitages, underground settlements. The citadel, two lines of defensive walls protected the inhabitants from enemy attacks. However, at the end of the 14th century, the Tatar nomads destroyed the city, and its remains were engulfed in ash and earth.
Later (XVIII century), the city of Sevastopol was founded near the location of the disappeared polis. In 1827, the first archaeological research began. The results gradually revealed to the world recreated ancient residential buildings, squares, streets and churches.
On the basis of the excavations in 1892, the Archaeological Museum was created, it is 126 years old. The excavations continue to this day. The earth keeps secrets and evidence of antiquity. Scientists from foreign countries are showing interest in research. Antiquities characterize Tauric Chersonesos as a developed cultural, political and economic center of the Black Sea region.
Workshops of artisans, a mint, and an acropolis were opened to the eyes of a contemporary. The theater, destroyed basilicas, fragments of the fortress walls have been reconstructed. Exhibits in open areas testify to the life of the townspeople. Underwater archaeologists have found amphorae, parts of sunken ships, piers, seaside buildings, lead anchors at the bottom of the sea. The most valuable artifacts are exhibited in the Hermitage of St. Petersburg.
The territory of Chersonesos is the Historical and Archaeological State Museum-Reserve. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but since 2014 its integrity has not been monitored.
Cognitive, interesting facts
Many interesting events, episodes of "highlights" are connected with Chersonesos Tauride:
- These places were visited by the Greek Queen Olga Konstantinovna, the granddaughter of Nicholas I, the Greek Prince George.
- In 988 the prince of Kiev Vladimir was baptized here.
- The political regime of Constantinople exiled here the disgraced Pope Clement I and Martin I, Emperor Justinian II, and his rival F. Vardan.
- Catherine II, a fan of Greek culture, signing a decree on the creation of a city on the Dnieper, gave him the name Kherson in honor of the ancient namesake. This was the period of the Crimean Khanate.
- Tsars Alexander II with the tsarina, Alexander III and the last emperor Nicholas II participated in the arrangement of the monastery.
- The famous Bell is featured in the movie about the adventures of Pinocchio, where the characters arrive at the Field of Miracles. Appears in the films "Spetsnaz", "Death to Spies", "Love on the Island of Death".
- Chersonese Tauric is the only Dorian colony on the peninsula, an ancient city where life did not stop until the XIV century.
What attracts the reserve?
Unique cultural and epoch-making monuments amaze the imagination of visitors; Tauric Chersonesos reveals the mysterious world of antiquity. The main attractions of the complex:
Agora - the square where destinies were decided
It is located in the center, on the main street, built in the 5th century BC. e. The townspeople solved the pressing issues of everyday life here. Here they worshiped statues of gods, visited temples, altars. With the establishment of Christianity, 7 churches were erected on the agora. Later, a cathedral was built here in honor of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich.
Theatre
The only ancient theater in Russia. Here, colorful performances for 3 thousand people, holidays, festivities, meetings of residents were held. It was built at the junction of the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. e. During the domination of Rome, gladiator fights were held in the theater. The ancient theater consisted of 12-tiered stands, a platform for orchestra and dancing, and a stage.
With the advent of Christianity, entertainment and entertainment events ceased, the theater gradually collapsed, 2 Christian churches were built in its place. The remains of one have survived - the "Temple with the Ark".
Basilica in the Basilica
Medieval temple consisting of two basilicas. It is curious that the second temple was built on the ruins of the first. The outer and inner basilicas have been restored by the works of archaeologists. In 2007, intruders damaged marble columns with carvings on crosses and a mosaic floor.
Tower of the Byzantine Emperor Zeno
This is a strong construction of the left-flank defense of the city, a well-preserved object. The tower covered the approaches, took on the blows of the enemy troops, had a defensive value, was often completed and improved. By the 10th century, its height was 9 m, its diameter reached 23 m.
Misty bell
In Quarantine Bay, an impressive bell, made from captured Turkish guns, hangs between two pillars. Originally intended for the Sevastopol Church of St. Nicholas. Saints Nicholas and Foka depicted on it patronize sailors. At the end of the Crimean War, the exhibit was taken to France, to Paris Notre Dame. In 1913, it was returned to its place, functioned as a signal beacon. Now visitors are calling it, making wishes and taking photos for memory. "The Bell of Wishes" is a favorite vacation spot for tourists.
Vladimirsky Cathedral
Orthodox majestic temple, operating since 1992. Built in 1861 at the place where the Kiev prince allegedly received the rite of baptism. In the lower floor of the temple there is the Church of the Holy Mother of God, in the upper tier - Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir.
On the territory of Tauric Chersonesos there are destroyed city objects - a smithy, a customs house, a winery, a bathhouse. As well as a residential estate, a citadel, a swimming pool, a mausoleum and other buildings dating back to different periods. In addition to ancient ruins, the exhibits of the reserve include the medieval cave fortress Kalamita in the vicinity of Sevastopol.
Note to the visitor
Where is: Sevastopol city, Drevnyaya street, 1.
Working hours: during the warm period (from the end of May to September) 2018 - from 7 to 20 hours without days off, in the winter - from 8:30 to 17:30. Admission to the territory ends half an hour before closing time. The entrance is free. The museum halls are open from 9 to 18 hours.
How to get there: It is convenient to drive your own car to Tavrida along the Crimean bridge. When traveling by train, get to Simferopol. From here, take a bus to Sevastopol, where minibuses run from the bus station to the reserve. From the city the bus №22-A will take you to the stop "Chersonesos Tavricheskiy".
Antiquity invites the curious
An interesting sightseeing tour with a guide is a fascinating archaeological walk through the hoary antiquity. The ticket price for adults is 300 rubles, for children, students, beneficiaries - 150 rubles.
We recommend looking at the ghost towns of Russia.
The review takes at least 1.5-2 hours. The ruins of the ancient city, the preserved details of the ancient architecture are adjacent to new buildings. A tourist loves to sit by the sea, listen to the ringing of a bell, take impressive photographs against the background of antiquity, for a moment presenting himself as a slender, proud Hellen.
Nothing will prevent you from examining the sacred Tauric Chersonesos on your own. At the entrance there is a diagram showing the locations of the objects. Acquaintance with the exhibits of the ancient settlement is a good option for spending leisure time. The territory is equipped with benches, flower beds, toilets, security works. You can have a snack in the cafe. The excursionist is allowed to take part in the excavations, acquire the skills of an archaeologist. Chersonesus Tauride will enrich the tourist with new knowledge, impressions, there is something to be surprised, admired and amazed at.
