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Panticapaeum

An ancient Greek polis founded in 610–590 BCE on the site of present-day Kerch. Capital of the Bosporan Kingdom. The acropolis of Panticapaeum was located at the top of Mount Mithridat.

Overview

Panticapaeum (Greek: Παντικάπαιον) was the largest and most powerful ancient polis on the Kerch Peninsula, founded by colonists from Miletus. It served as the capital of the Bosporan Kingdom. The acropolis was located at the top of Mount Mithridat, offering a commanding view of the Kerch Strait.

Archaeological excavations of Panticapaeum continue to this day. Pottery fragments and other artifacts are still found on the slopes of Mount Mithridat. It was precisely through the cultural layer of the acropolis that significant damage was inflicted during "slope stabilization" work by the company "Meandr" (2017–2018), which drove 1,134 piles 30 meters long without conducting archaeological investigations.

In 1820, Alexander Pushkin, visiting Kerch, attempted to see the ruins of Panticapaeum and the tomb of Mithridates on the mountain, but was disappointed to find only a heap of stones, a neglected ditch, and a few carved steps.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Foundation: 610–590 BCE — the oldest city in Ukraine.
  • Capital of the Bosporan Kingdom (5th century BCE – 4th century CE).
  • Acropolis: on Mount Mithridat in Kerch.
  • Current state: an archaeological monument suffering from illegal excavations and the destruction of its cultural layer during the occupation "restoration".