PREFACE. THE following pages were prepared in fulfilment of an engagement to deliver a Lecture at a Literary Institute in Hertfordshire. The annals of the Crimea appeared to offer a most suitable topic for such an address, both from the interest at present attaching to the country, and from its connexion with those great revolutions in the fortunes of Europe which form the prominent landmarks of its history. But the subject soon grew beyond the limits of one, or even of two Lectures, so that the whole of what was written could not be delivered. From the interest which it seemed to excite, and from a wish expressed to that effect, I have been induced to publish this "Historical Sketch," as I had prepared it; and the purpose for which it was written will account for the popular tone which pervades it, and for certain expressions and illustrations, which would not befit the graver style of historical composition. Still I would observe that labour has not been spared to render it a trustworthy and connected record of the actual history of the eventful land described; and if I abstain from loading the pages with notes and references, it is not because many volumes have not been consulted in the preparation of them, but because I would avoid the pretensions of an elaborate production. The object of utility which I had in view, in undertaking the task, has caused me to add a Chronological Table, which may suggest special points in the history for further and more minute inquiry, to those who may be induced to examine them. ROMFORD, May 1855. ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE HISTORY OF THE CRIMEA. B.C. 750. THE Colonies of Panticapæum (Kertch), and Theodosia (Kaffa), founded by Milesians. 634.-The Scythians drive the Cimmerians out of Taurida (Crimea). 592.-Anacharsis, the Scythian philosopher, visits Athens. 508. The expedition of Darius the Mede against the Scythians. About 500.-The Colony of Cherson (near Sebastopol) founded by emigrants from Heraclea in Bithynia. 480. The kingdom of Bosporus settled under kings called the Archæanactidæ. 390.-Leucon, King of Bosporus, an ally of Athens. 380.-The Sauromatæ (Sarmatians) threaten Taurida. 120.-Mithridates, King of Pontus, begins to reign. 115.-He comes to the help of Taurida against the TauroScythians. Ctenus, or Eupatoria, (Inkermann,) built by Diophantes, his general. 81.-Parysades, King of Bosporus, resigns his throne to Mithridates, who rules over Taurida. 70.-Sarmatians migrate to Scandinavia, under Odin. 63.-Death of Mithridates. Taurida becomes subject to the Romans, 47.-Victory over Pharnaces by Julius Cæsar. Veni, vidi, vici. A. D. 62.-The Alains invade Taurida. 250-268.-The Goths enter Taurida, seize Bosporus, and thence ravage Asia. 280.-Christianity spreads in the Crimea. Some Christians in Taurida suffer martyrdom. 292.-Sarmatians seize Panticapæum, and are defeated by the Chersonites. 320.-The Chersonites defeat the Goths on the Danube, at the summons of Constantine the Great. 376-450.-The Huns overrun Taurida; the Goths are driven to the mountains. 464.-The Huns fail on the death of Attila. 536–548.—Justinian strengthens Cherson, Kaffa, and Alushta against the Utrigures and Cutrigures of the Hun family. 679. The Chazares subjugate Taurida, a large portion of which is called Chazaria. 695.—Cherson the prison of Justinian II. 840.--Chazaria, and the Greek towns, with Gothie, formed into one province by Theophilus; of which Cherson is the capital. 858.-Cyril sent as a Missionary to convert the Chazares, at their own request. 894-1050.-The Petschénégues enter and possess Taurida, driving out the Chazares. 988. Vladimir, Grand Duke of Russia, takes Cherson, and is baptized there. 1050-1227.-The Comanes possess themselves of Taurida. 1070.-Rise of Sudak as a commercial town, the capital of Soldaya. The Genoese commence intercourse with Taurida. 1100.-Jealousy between Sudak, Kaffa, and Cherson. Cherson begins to decline. |
