Chersonesus

Chersonesus, an ancient Greek colony founded in the 6th century BCE, is located on the Crimean Peninsula near modern Sevastopol. The site, which remained active through the Classical and Byzantine periods, showcases a blend of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences in its architecture and urban planning. Key features include defensive walls, a Roman amphitheatre, and religious structures like temples and basilicas. The city experienced shifts in governance from democracy to oligarchy and later fell under Roman and Byzantine control, serving as a strategic outpost. It was notably captured by Vladimir the Great of the Kievan Rus' and later sacked by Mongol forces. Abandoned by the late 14th century, the site offers valuable insights into ancient cultural dynamics and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.