The Crimea, anciently known as Chersonesus Taurica is a large peninsular in the south Ukraine, lying between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. On the west and south the Crimea is washed by the Black Sea, and on the east by the Sea of Azof, a portion of which, shut off from the rest by a long and narrow strip of land, forms the Sivash or Putrid Sea. Three-fourths of the Crimea are covered with steppes, but the other part, confined entirely to the south, and stretching along the coast from west to east, abounds in beautiful mountain scenery. Here the valleys looking southward are luxuriant with vines and olive and mulberry plantations, while the northern slope gives a large yield in cereals and fruits. The climate, however, is unequal, and in winter is severe. The chief stream is the Salghir. Others of celebrity are the Tchernaya and the Alma.
The country was anciently associated with the Cimmerians, and in later times with various Greek settlements and minor kingdoms. After being for some time a dependency on Rome, it was overrun by successive bodies of barbarians, and in 1237 fell into he hands of the Mongols under Genghis Khan. About 1261 the Genoese were permitted to occupy and fortify Kaffa, and they rapidly extended their power in the formation of other settlements. They were expelled, however, in 1475 by Mahomet II, who made the Crimea a dependent khanate. In 1783 the Russians took possession of the country; and with the view of overawing the Turks the great naval arsenal of Sebastopol, occupying the most commanding position in the Black Sea, was begun by Catharine II in 1786. Research Crimea
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Abbreviations
Gazetteer
Research Crimea
