Azov

Azov is a town in the Rostov Oblast of the Russian Federation, situated on the Don River just 4 miles from the Sea of Azov, which derives its name from the town. Its population is 81,700 (2002). Azov's geographical location is {{coor dm|47|5|N|39|28|E|}}.

Early settlements in the vicinity

The mouth of the Don River has always been an important commercial centre. At the start of the 3rd century BC the Greeks from the Kingdom of Bosporus founded a colony here, which they called Tanais (after the Greek name of the river). Several centuries later the settlement was burnt down by king Poleumon of Bosporus. The introduction of Greek colonists restored its prosperity, but the Goths practically annihilated it in the 3rd century AD. The site of ancient Tanais, now occupied by Nedvigovka village, has been excavated since the mid-19th century.

Related Topics:
Kingdom of Bosporus - Tanais - Goths

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In the 10th century, the area passed under control of the Slavic princedom of Tmutarakan. The Kypchaks, seizing the area in 1067, renamed it azak (i.e., lowlands), from which appelation the modern name is derived. The Golden Horde claimed most of the coast in the 13th and 14th centuries, but the Venetian and Genoese merchants were granted permission to settle on the site of modern-day Azov and founded there a colony which they called Tana. The Turks put an end to its prosperity in 1471, when they seized the area and built a strong fortress of Azov.

Related Topics:
Tmutarakan - Kypchaks - 1067 - Golden Horde - Venetian - Genoese - Colony - 1471

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