Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea or Mazandaran Sea is a landlocked sea between Asia and Europe (European Russia). It is the world's largest inland body of water, with a surface area of 371,000 km² (143,000 sq. mi.), and therefore has characteristics common to both seas and lakes. It is often listed as the world's largest lake, though it is not a freshwater one.

History

The sea is estimated to be about 30 million years old. It became landlocked about 5.5 million years ago. Discoveries in the Huto cave near the town of Behshahr, Iran suggest human habitation of the area as early as 75,000 years ago.

Related Topics:
Behshahr - Iran

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In classical antiquity it was called the Hyrcanian Ocean. It has also been known as the Khazar Sea. In Persian antiquity, as well as in modern Iran, it is known as the Mazandaran Sea. Old Russian sources call it the Khvalyn (Khvalynian) Sea after the Khvalis, inhabitants of Khwarezmia. Ancient Arabic sources refer to Bahr-e-Qazvin – the Qazvin Sea.

Related Topics:
Classical antiquity - Hyrcania - Khazar - Iran - Mazandaran - Khwarezmia - Qazvin

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See also "Names of the Caspian Sea".

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Historical cities by the sea include

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• Hyrcania, Persia (Iran)
• Tamisheh, Persia
• Atil, Khazaria
• Khazaran