Scythian Neapolis

Scythian Neapolis (Greek: Σκυθική Νεάπολις) was a settlement that existed from the end of the 3rd century BC until the second half of the 3rd century AD. Anciently, it was considered a town of the Tauric Chersonesus (Crimea). The archeological ruins sit on the outskirts of the present-day Simferopol. This city was the center of the Crimean Scythian tribes, led by Skilurus and Palacus (who were probably buried at the local mausoleum). The town ruled over a small kingdom, covering the lands between the lower Dnieper river and Crimea. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, it was a city "with a mixed Scythian-Greek population, strong defensive walls and large public buildings constructed using the orders of Greek architecture".[1] Neapolis was destroyed halfway through the 3rd century AD by the Goths.

This article is about the ancient city in Crimea. For other uses, see Neapoli.
Scythian Neapolis
Σκυθική Νεάπολις (in Greek)
The supposed tomb of Skilurus
Shown within Crimea
Scythian Neapolis (Ukraine)
Scythian Neapolis (Europe)
LocationSimferopol, Crimea
RegionTaurica
Coordinates44°56′34″N 34°07′14″E
TypeSettlement
History
Founded3rd century BC
Abandoned3rd century AD
CulturesGreek, Scythian
Site notes
WebsiteHistorical and archaeological preserve of Scythian Neapolis

Geography

The geographical features of Scythian Neapolis include being located on a plateau on the ‘Petrovskiye rocks in Simferopol’.[2] Its climate has been described by Zaytsev (2004).[3] as having long, dry and wind filled summer and winter periods as well as having moderate precipitation levels. Zaytsev (2004) [4] also states that the area of the capital was distinguished by forests and rich vegetation which includes wood such as oak, pine, poplar and alder around the fortress.

References
  1. North Pontic Archaeology, ed. by Gocha R. Tsetskhladze. Brill Academic Publishers, 2001. ISBN 90-04-12041-6. Page 167.
  2. Davis-Kimball, Jeannine., et al. Nomads of the Eurasian Steppes in the Early Iron Age. Zinat Press, 1995
  3. Zaĭt͡sev, I͡U. P. (I͡Uriĭ Pavlovich). The Scythian Neapolis : 2nd Century BC to 3rd Century AD : Investigations into the Graeco-Barbarian City on the Northern Black Sea Coast. Archaeopress, 2004
  4. Zaĭt͡sev, I͡U. P. (I͡Uriĭ Pavlovich). The Scythian Neapolis : 2nd Century BC to 3rd Century AD : Investigations into the Graeco-Barbarian City on the Northern Black Sea Coast. Archaeopress, 2004

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Neapolis". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.</ref>  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Its". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.<ref>



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