The south of Russia is often neglected as dangerous, lacking historical sites and medieval architecure. It is true that for a long time these territories were disputed between Russia and Ottoman Empire, and before that between Venetians and the Golden Horde. Not much has survived in wars. However, long before that, these lands on the edge of immense steppe and the known world were inhabited by Ancient Greeks who founded several colonies here.
Tanais, Rostov region
What is now a tiny village halfway from Rostov-on-Don to Taganrog was once the northenmost colony of Ancient Greece and a thriving emporium populated both by the Greeks and the local tribes. Its strategic position in the Don river delta and close to the Sea of Azov garanteed its important role as an outpost on the edge of Greek lands and an important trading point. The most impressive part of Tanais are the ruins themselves. You can explore the whole territory by walking on the stilted paths and looking down at what once was houses, workshops, wells, etc. There're also several museums exhibiting objects such as coins, statues, tombstones, pottery and jewellery found in Tanais. There's also an exhibition which recreates dresses and jewellery worn by Tanaisians, and another showing city plans and holding temporary exhibitions.
Anapa, Krasnodar region (Gorgippia)
Today, Gorgippia stands in the very centre of a popular resort city of Anapa on the Black Sea. It is indeed a miracle that in a city where every patch of land costs a fortune (especially if it stands close to the beach) such a large territory was given to a museum. However, Gorgippia is not your average museum, it is an outdoor reserve that gives you a glimpse into the past with well-preserved streets, houses and vineyards on display. It's hard to imagine that it's only a small part of the city and the rest of it is buried under modern hotels and restaurants. Luckily, the items excavated from there are on display in the museum of Gorgippia, including the stunning frescoes from Ancient Greek vaults discovered in 1975.
Taman, Krasnodar region (Germonassa)
The ruins of Germonassa are located on a cliff which seems to run out into the sea. Unlike Tanais and Gorgippia, Germonassa preserves layers of many different civilisations that inhabited these lands. And it's a tough choice for archeologists to decide which layer to spare and which to remove. Greek layer is the oldest but there're quite a few ruins that remind us of it, including a Greek temple.
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