Jewish Community of Mangoup According to Archaeological Data

Abstract

Until the creation of external fortification belt in Genoese Kafa (Feodosia) at the end of XIV century Mangoup was the largest in area (about 1 km^) fortified settlement in Crimea. It was situated on the top of the plateau at the height of about 600 m above sea level. Inaccessible steep slopes (height up to 70 m) form the most part of its contour. Natural defence and water sources existence attract people here since ancient times. Building of fortification constructions started at the early Medieval time. Prime of the settlement was in XIV-XV centuries, when it became the capital of Feodoro Principality, which occupied the most part of the South-western Crimea and had boundaries with the Genoueses and Tatars. Government of the Principality probably consisted of members of provincial aristocratic dynasty, which had ties of relationship with Paleologues, what confirmed by portrayal of double head eagles on the four of known epigraphic monuments (20“’ -SO'”, XV cent.). In 1475 the Principality was occupied by Turks-Osmans, the capital was captured after six month siege.