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Kalos Limen

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Kalos Limen
Ruins of Kalos Limen
LocationChornomorske
RegionTaurica
Coordinates45°31′03″N 32°42′49″E / 45.51750°N 32.71361°E / 45.51750; 32.71361
History
Founded4th century BC
Abandoned1st century BC
PeriodsClassical Greece
Site notes
OwnershipState Historic-Archaeological Reserve "Kalos-Limen"

Kalos Limen (Ancient Greek: Καλός Λιμήν, lit.'Charming Harbor'; Ukrainian: Калос-Лімен; Russian: Калос Лимен) is an ancient Greek colony on the east coast of the Crimean Peninsula that existed from 4th to 1st centuries BC.[1]

History

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The settlement is mentioned in the anonymous Periplus of the Euxine Sea [uk] as being located 700 stadions from Kerkinitis (modern-day Yevpatoria). Based on the descriptions from the periplus, it was concluded that Kalos Limen was located on the coast of Tarkhankut Peninsula.[2]

Kalos Limen was established by Ionian settlers in 4th century BC. The city was 4 ha in size and was surrounded by walls. Kalos Limen was divided into sections, and a tower was located in the center of each. By the end of 4th century BC, the city belonged to Chersonesus. Fortifications of the city were strengthened in 3rd century BC due to Scythian and Sarmatian raids.[2] In 2nd century BC, Kalos Limen was captured by Scythians,[3] but it was soon recaptured by Greeks, to be recaptured by Scythians again.[2] In 1st century BC, the city was abandoned completely due to a Sarmatian invasion.[3]

On 22 April 1997, the State Historic-Archaeological Preserve "Kalos-Limen" was created.[3]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ S. B., Buiskykh; et al. (2007). "КАЛОС ЛІМЕН". Encyclopedia of History of Ukraine.
  2. ^ a b c Khrapunov, N. I. "Калос Лимен". State Preserve "Chersonesus Taurica" (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2012-05-27.
  3. ^ a b c "Крымское республиканское учреждение "Историко-ар��еологический заповедник "Калос Лимен""". Ministry of Culture of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Archived from the original on 2012-08-04.