Ancient sources What sources does historical science rely on? It is known that many veterans of the Eastern Campaign documented their memories in the form of memoirs. First of all, it is necessary to mention Aristotle’s nephew Callisthenes, who took part in the campaign in

Which is mentioned in written sources. Taurus lived in the mountains, in the foothills, on the southern and southeastern coasts. Steppes of the peninsula from the 7th-6th centuries. BC e. occupied by Scythian tribes. A significant part of them initially led a nomadic lifestyle. Typical monuments of the Tauris are burial stone boxes, shelters and fortified settlements (on the mountains Uch-Bash, Tash-Dzhargan, Koshka, etc.). The Scythians left numerous burial mounds, some of them with rich burials of nobles.

The most ancient Scythian state in the Northern Black Sea region was the kingdom of Atea, centered on the Dnieper, which formed in the 4th century. BC e. Then a Late Scythian state was formed with its center in Naples (on the southeastern outskirts of the present one). Excavations of Scythian Naples yielded a lot of interesting information about the life and way of life of the late Scythians.
In the VI-V centuries. BC e. Greek colonies appear in Crimea: Panticapaeum, Kerkinitida, Nymphaeum, Tiritaka and others.

Chersonese, a slave-owning democratic republic, was a major economic and cultural center of Taurica. Crafts and art reached a high level of development in it.
The Bosporan kingdom grew out of the forced unification of the city-states around Panticapaeum (c. 480 BC). This economically developed state conducted extensive trade with Asia Minor and the Mediterranean countries. The art of Bosporus has revealed examples that enjoy worldwide fame (the Royal Mound, the Crypt of Demeter and other monuments).

Having strengthened, the Scythian state waged a persistent struggle against the Greek colonies, trying to subjugate them. The struggle reached its greatest intensity at the end of the 2nd century. BC e., when the troops of the Pontic (Asia Minor) king arrived in Crimea at the request of the Chersonesos. At the same time, a major uprising broke out in the Bosporus, led by the Scythian Savmak. The rebels were victorious and proclaimed Savmak king. He was overthrown only with the help of Pontic troops, after which the Bosporus and Chersonese fell under the rule of Mithridates.

After the defeat of Mithridates in many years of wars with Rome in Crimea in the 1st century. BC e. The Romans appear. The rule of Rome on and in Chersonesus lasted from the 1st to the 3rd centuries. n. e.
In the Bosporus kingdom, which retained relative independence, and in the late Scythian state in the 1st-2nd centuries. a new rise in economics and culture is taking place. But in the III-IV centuries. n. e. In the conditions of the decline of the ancient world, caused by the crisis of the slave system, barbarian tribes - the Goths, Huns and others - began to attack the slave states. The Bosporan kingdom and the state of the late Scythians fell under their blows. Many cities and villages were destroyed in Chersonesus, however, it survived and existed for about a thousand years.

Crimea is a unique historical and cultural reserve, striking in its antiquity and diversity.

Its numerous cultural monuments reflect historical events, culture and religion of different eras and different peoples. The history of Crimea is an interweaving of East and West, the history of the Greeks and the Golden Horde, the churches of the first Christians and mosques. Here, for many centuries, different peoples lived, fought, made peace and traded, cities were built and destroyed, civilizations arose and disappeared. It seems that the very air here is filled with legends about the lives of the Olympian gods, Amazons, Cimmerians, Taurians, Greeks...

50-40 thousand years ago - the appearance and residence on the territory of the peninsula of a man of the Cro-Magnon type - the ancestor of modern man. Scientists have discovered three sites of this period: Syuren, near the village of Tankovoe, Kachinsky canopy near the village of Predushchelnoye in the Bakhchisarai region, Adzhi-Koba on the slope of Karabi-Yayla.

If before the first millennium BC. e. While historical data allows us to talk only about different periods of human development, later it becomes possible to talk about specific tribes and cultures of Crimea.

In the 5th century BC, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus visited the Northern Black Sea region and described in his works the lands and peoples living on them. It is believed that one of the first peoples who lived in the steppe part of Crimea in the 15th-7th centuries BC. there were Cimmerians. These warlike tribes left Crimea in the 4th - 3rd centuries BC due to the equally aggressive Scythians and got lost in the vast expanses of the Asian steppes. Perhaps only ancient toponyms remind us of the Cimmerians: Cimmerian Walls, Cimmerian Bosporus, Cimmeric...

They lived in the mountainous and foothill regions of the peninsula. Ancient authors described the Tauri as cruel, bloodthirsty people. Skilled sailors, they engaged in piracy, robbing ships sailing along the coast. Captives were sacrificed to the goddess Virgo (the Greeks associated her with Artemis), throwing them into the sea from a high cliff where the temple was located. However, modern scientists have established that the Tauri led a pastoral and agricultural lifestyle, were engaged in hunting, fishing, and collecting shellfish. They lived in caves or huts, and in case of an enemy attack they built fortified shelters. Archaeologists have discovered Taurus fortifications on the mountains Uch-Bash, Koshka, Ayu-Dag, Kastel, on Cape Ai-Todor, as well as numerous burials in the so-called stone boxes - dolmens. They consisted of four flat slabs placed on edge, the fifth covering the dolmen from above.

The myth about the evil sea robbers Taurus has already been debunked, and today they are trying to find the place where the temple of the cruel goddess of the Virgin stood, where bloody sacrifices were performed.

In the 7th century BC. e. Scythian tribes appeared in the steppe part of the peninsula. Under pressure from the Sarmatians in the 4th century BC. e. The Scythians concentrate in the Crimea and the lower Dnieper. Here, at the turn of the IV-III centuries BC. e. A Scythian state is formed with the capital Naples of Scythia (on the territory of modern Simferopol).

In the 7th century BC, Greek colonization of the Northern Black Sea region and Crimea began. In Crimea, in places convenient for navigation and living, the Greek “polises” arose: the city-state of Tauric Chersonesus (on the outskirts of modern Sevastopol), Feodosia and Panticapaeum-Bosporus (modern Kerch), Nymphaeum, Myrmekiy, Tiritaka.

The emergence of Greek colonies in the Northern Black Sea region strengthened trade, cultural and political ties between the Greeks and the local population; local farmers learned new forms of cultivation, growing grapes and olives. Greek culture had a huge influence on the spiritual world of the Tauri, Scythians, Sarmatians and other tribes. But the relationship between different peoples was not easy. Peaceful periods gave way to hostile ones, wars often broke out, which is why Greek cities were protected by strong walls.

In the 4th century. BC e. Several settlements were founded on the western coast of Crimea. The largest of them are Kerkinitida (Evpatoria) and Kalos-Limen (Black Sea). In the last quarter of the 5th century BC. e. immigrants from the Greek city of Heraclea founded the city of Chersonesos. Now this is the territory of Sevastopol. By the beginning of the 3rd century. BC e. Chersonesos became a city-state independent from the Greek metropolis. It becomes one of the largest policies in the Northern Black Sea region. Chersonesos in its heyday was a large port city, surrounded by thick walls, a trade, craft and cultural center of the entire southwestern coast of Crimea.

Around 480 BC e. The Bosporan Kingdom was formed from the unification of initially independent Greek cities. Panticapaeum became the capital of the kingdom. Later, Theodosia was annexed to the kingdom.

In the 4th century BC, the Scythian tribes united under the rule of King Atey into a strong state that occupied a vast territory from the Southern Bug and the Dniester to the Don. Already at the end of the 4th century. and especially from the first half of the 3rd century. BC e. The Scythians and, probably, the Tauri, under their influence, exert strong military pressure on the "polises". In the 3rd century BC, Scythian fortifications, villages and cities appeared in the Crimea. The capital of the Scythian state - Naples - was built on the southeastern outskirts of modern Simferopol.

In the last decade of the 2nd century. BC e. Chersonesos, in a critical situation when Scythian troops besieged the city, turned to the Pontic Kingdom (located on the southern shore of the Black Sea) for help. Ponta's troops arrived in Chersonesos and lifted the siege. At the same time, Pontus' troops took Panticapaeum and Feodosia by storm. After this, both Bosporus and Chersonesus were included in the Pontic kingdom.

From approximately the middle of the 1st to the beginning of the 4th century AD, the sphere of interests of the Roman Empire included the entire Black Sea region and Taurica as well. Chersonesus became a stronghold of the Romans in Taurica. In the 1st century, Roman legionaries built the Charax fortress on Cape Ai-Todor, laid roads connecting it with Chersonesos, where the garrison was located, and a Roman squadron was stationed in the Chersonesos harbor. In 370, hordes of Huns fell on the lands of Tauris. Under their blows, the Scythian state and the Bosporan kingdom perished; Naples, Panticapaeum, Chersonesos and many cities and villages lay in ruins. And the Huns rushed further to Europe, where they caused the death of the great Roman Empire.

In the 4th century, after the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern (Byzantine), the latter’s sphere of interests also included the southern part of Taurica. Chersonesus (it became known as Kherson) became the main base of the Byzantines on the peninsula.

Christianity came to Crimea from the Byzantine Empire. According to church tradition, Andrew the First-Called was the first to bring the good news to the peninsula; the third bishop of Rome, Saint Clement, who was exiled to Chersonesos in 94, carried out great preaching activities. In the 8th century, an iconoclasm movement began in Byzantium; icons and paintings in churches were destroyed. Monks, fleeing persecution, moved to the outskirts of the empire, including the Crimea. Here in the mountains they founded cave temples and monasteries: Uspensky, Kachi-Kalyon, Shuldan, Chelter and others.

At the end of the 6th century, a new wave of conquerors appeared in Crimea - these were the Khazars, whose descendants were considered to be the Karaites. They occupied the entire peninsula, with the exception of Cherson (as Chersonesos is called in Byzantine documents). From this time on, the city began to play a significant role in the history of the empire. In 705, Kherson separated from Byzantium and recognized the Khazar protectorate. To which Byzantium sent a punitive fleet with a landing party in 710. The fall of Kherson was accompanied by unprecedented cruelty, but before the troops had time to leave the city, it rose again. Having united with the punitive troops that had betrayed Byzantium and the allies of the Khazars, the troops of Cherson entered Constantinople and installed their own emperor.

In the 9th century, a new force actively intervened in the course of Crimean history - the Slavs. At the same time, the decline of the Khazar power occurred, which was finally defeated in the 60s of the 10th century by the Kyiv prince Svyatoslav Igorevich. In 988-989, the Kiev prince Vladimir took Kherson (Korsun), where he adopted the Christian faith.

During the 13th century, the Golden Horde (Tatar-Mongols) invaded Taurica several times, plundering its cities. Then they began to settle on the territory of the peninsula. In the middle of the 13th century, they captured Solkhat, which became the center of the Crimean yurt of the Golden Horde and was named Kyrym (like the entire peninsula subsequently).

In the 13th century (1270), first the Venetians and then the Genoese penetrated the southern coast. Having ousted their competitors, the Genoese created a number of fortified trading posts on the coast. Their main stronghold in Crimea becomes Kafa (Feodosia), they captured Sudak (Soldaya), as well as Cherchio (Kerch). In the middle of the 14th century, they settled in the immediate vicinity of Kherson - in the Bay of Symbols, founding the Chembalo (Balaklava) fortress there.

During the same period, the Orthodox principality of Theodoro was formed in the mountainous Crimea with its center in Mangup.

In the spring of 1475, a Turkish fleet appeared off the coast of Kafa. The well-fortified city was able to hold out under siege for only three days and surrendered to the mercy of the winner. Having captured coastal fortresses one after another, the Turks put an end to Genoese rule in the Crimea. The Turkish army met worthy resistance at the walls of the capital Theodoro. Having captured the city after a six-month siege, they ravaged it, killing the inhabitants or taking them into slavery. The Crimean Khan became a vassal of the Turkish Sultan.

The Crimean Khanate became the conductor of Turkey's aggressive policy towards the Moscow state. Constant Tatar raids on the southern lands of Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania and Poland.

Russia, which sought to secure its southern borders and gain access to the Black Sea, fought with Turkey more than once. In the war of 1768-1774. The Turkish army and navy were defeated, and in 1774 the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace Treaty was concluded, according to which the Crimean Khanate gained independence. Kerch with the fortress of Yoni-Kale, the fortresses of Azov and Kin-burn in the Crimea passed to Russia, Russian merchant ships could freely sail in the Black Sea.

In 1783, after the Russian-Turkish War (1768-1774), Crimea was annexed to the Russian Empire. This contributed to the strengthening of Russia, its southern borders ensured the safety of transport routes on the Black Sea.

The majority of the Muslim population left Crimea, moving to Turkey, the region became depopulated and fell into desolation. In order to revive the peninsula, Prince G. Potemkin, appointed governor of Taurida, began to resettle serfs and retired soldiers from neighboring areas. This is how the new villages of Mazanka, Izyumovka, Chistenkoye appeared on the Crimean land... The works of His Serene Highness were not in vain, the economy of Crimea began to develop rapidly, orchards, vineyards, and tobacco plantations were laid out on the southern coast and in the mountainous part. On the shores of an excellent natural harbor, the city of Sevastopol was founded as a base for the Black Sea Fleet. Near the small town of Ak-Mosque, Simferopol is being built, which became the center of the Tauride province.

In January 1787, Empress Catherine II, accompanied by the Austrian Emperor Joseph I, traveling under the name of Count Fankelstein, ambassadors of the powerful countries of England, France and Austria and a large retinue, went to the Crimea to inspect new lands to demonstrate to her allies the power and greatness of Russia: The Empress stopped at travel palaces built especially for her. During lunch in Inkerman, the curtains on the window were suddenly parted, and the travelers saw Sevastopol under construction, warships greeting the empresses with volleys. The effect was amazing!

In 1854-1855 The main events of the Eastern War (1853-1856), better known as the Crimean War, took place in Crimea. In September 1854, the united armies of England, France and Turkey landed north of Sevastopol and besieged the city. The defense of the city continued for 349 days under the command of Vice Admirals V.A. Kornilov and P.S. Nakhimov. The war destroyed the city to the ground, but also glorified it throughout the world. Russia was defeated. In 1856, a peace treaty was concluded in Paris, prohibiting Russia and Turkey from having military fleets in the Black Sea.

Having been defeated in the Crimean War, Russia experienced an economic crisis. The abolition of serfdom in 1861 allowed industry to develop faster; enterprises engaged in the processing of grain, tobacco, grapes, and fruits appeared in Crimea. At the same time, the resort development of the South Coast began. On the recommendation of doctor Botkin, the royal family acquires the Livadia estate. From this moment on, palaces, estates, and villas were built along the entire coast, which belonged to members of the Romanov family, court nobility, wealthy industrialists and landowners. In a matter of years, Yalta turned from a village into a famous aristocratic resort.

The construction of railways connecting Sevastopol, Feodosia, Kerch and Evpatoria with Russian cities had a great influence on the development of the region's economy. Crimea also became increasingly important as a resort.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Crimea belonged to the Tauride province; economically, it was an agricultural region with a small number of industrial cities. The main ones were Simferopol and the port cities of Sevastopol, Kerch, Feodosia.

Soviet power won in Crimea later than in the center of Russia. The Bolsheviks' stronghold in Crimea was Sevastopol. On January 28-30, 1918, the Extraordinary Congress of Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies of the Tauride Province took place in Sevastopol. Crimea was proclaimed the Soviet Socialist Republic of Taurida. It lasted a little over a month. At the end of April, German troops captured Crimea, and in November 1918 they were replaced by the British and French. In April 1919, the Red Army of the Bolsheviks occupied the entire Crimea, except for the Kerch Peninsula, where the troops of General Denikin fortified themselves. On May 6, 1919, the Crimean Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed. In the summer of 1919, Denikin’s army occupied the entire Crimea. However, in the fall of 1920, the Red Army led by M.V. Frunze again restored Soviet power. In the fall of 1921, the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed as part of the RSFSR.

Socialist construction began in Crimea. According to the decree signed by Lenin “On the use of Crimea for the treatment of workers,” all palaces, villas, and dachas were given over to sanatoriums where workers and collective farmers from all the union republics rested and were treated. Crimea has turned into an All-Union health resort.

During the Great Patriotic War, Crimeans bravely fought the enemy. The second heroic defense of Sevastopol, which lasted 250 days, the Kerch-Feodosiya landing operation, the Tierra del Fuego of Eltigen, the feat of underground fighters and partisans became pages of the military chronicle. For the steadfastness and courage of the defenders, two Crimean cities - Sevastopol and Kerch - were awarded the title of hero city.

In February 1945, a conference of the heads of three powers - the USSR, the USA and Great Britain - took place at the Livadia Palace. At the Crimean (Yalta) Conference, decisions were made related to the end of the war with Germany and Japan, and the establishment of a post-war world order.

After the liberation of Crimea from the fascist occupiers in the spring of 1944, the restoration of its economy began: industrial enterprises, sanatoriums, rest homes, agriculture, and the revival of destroyed cities and villages. The expulsion of many peoples became a black page in the history of Crimea. The fate befell the Tatars, Greeks, and Armenians.

On February 19, 1954, a decree was issued on the transfer of the Crimean region to Ukraine. Today, many believe that Khrushchev made a royal gift to Ukraine on behalf of Russia. Nevertheless, the decree was signed by the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Voroshilov, and Khrushchev’s signature is not present at all in the documents relating to the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine.

During the period of Soviet power, especially in the 60s - 80s of the last century, there was a noticeable growth in Crimean industry and agriculture, the development of resorts and tourism on the peninsula. Crimea, in fact, was known as an all-Union health resort. Every year, 8-9 million people from all over the vast Union vacationed in Crimea.

1991 - “putsch” in Moscow and the arrest of M. Gorbachev at his dacha in Foros. The collapse of the Soviet Union, Crimea becomes an Autonomous Republic within Ukraine, and Greater Yalta becomes the summer political capital of Ukraine and the countries of the Black Sea region.

Just a year ago, the Crimean peninsula was an integral part of the state of Ukraine. But after March 16, 2014, he changed his “place of registration” and became part of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the increased interest in how Crimea developed is quite understandable. The history of the peninsula is very turbulent and eventful.

The first inhabitants of the ancient land

The history of the peoples of Crimea goes back several thousand years. On the peninsula, researchers discovered the remains of ancient people who lived back in the Paleolithic era. Near the sites of Kiik-Koba and Staroselye, archaeologists found the bones of people who inhabited this area at that time.

In the first millennium BC, Cimmerians, Taurians and Scythians lived here. By the name of one nationality, this territory, or rather its mountainous and coastal parts, is still called Tavrika, Tavria or Taurida. Ancient people engaged in farming and cattle breeding on this not very fertile land, as well as hunting and fishing. The world was new, fresh and cloudless.

Greeks, Romans and Goths

But for some ancient states, sunny Crimea turned out to be very attractive in terms of location. The history of the peninsula also has Greek echoes. Around the 6th-5th centuries, the Greeks began to actively populate this territory. They founded entire colonies here, after which the first states appeared. The Greeks brought with them the benefits of civilization: they actively built temples and theaters, stadiums and baths. At this time, shipbuilding began to develop here. It is with the Greeks that historians associate the development of viticulture. The Greeks also planted olive trees here and collected oil. We can safely say that with the arrival of the Greeks, the history of the development of Crimea received a new impetus.

But a few centuries later, powerful Rome set its sights on this territory and captured part of the coast. This takeover lasted until the 6th century AD. But the greatest damage to the development of the peninsula was caused by the Gothic tribes, who invaded in the 3rd and 4th centuries and thanks to whom the Greek states collapsed. And although the Goths were soon supplanted by other nationalities, the development of Crimea slowed down very much at that time.

Khazaria and Tmutarakan

Crimea is also called ancient Khazaria, and in some Russian chronicles this territory is called Tmutarakan. And these are not at all figurative names of the area where Crimea was located. The history of the peninsula has left in speech those toponymic names that at one time or another called this section of the earth's land. Starting from the 5th century, the entire Crimea came under strict Byzantine influence. But already in the 7th century the entire territory of the peninsula (except Chersonesus) was powerful and strong. That is why in Western Europe the name “Khazar” appears in many manuscripts. But Rus' and Khazaria compete all the time, and in 960 the Russian history of Crimea begins. The Kaganate was defeated, and all Khazar possessions were subordinated to the Old Russian state. Now this territory is called Tmutarakan.

By the way, it was here that the Kiev prince Vladimir, who occupied Kherson (Korsun), was officially baptized in 988.

Tatar-Mongol trace

Since the 13th century, the history of the annexation of Crimea again develops according to a military scenario: the Mongol-Tatars invade the peninsula.

Here the Crimean ulus is formed - one of the divisions of the Golden Horde. After the Golden Horde disintegrated, the peninsula emerged in 1443. In 1475, it completely fell under the influence of Turkey. It is from here that numerous raids on Polish, Russian and Ukrainian lands are carried out. Moreover, already at the end of the 15th century, these invasions became widespread and threatened the integrity of both the Moscow state and Poland. The Turks mainly hunted for cheap labor: they captured people and sold them into slavery in the slave markets of Turkey. One of the reasons for the creation of the Zaporozhye Sich in 1554 was to counter these seizures.

Russian history

The history of the transfer of Crimea to Russia continues in 1774, when the Kuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace Treaty was concluded. After the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774, the almost 300-year rule of the Ottoman Empire came to an end. The Turks abandoned Crimea. It was at this time that the largest cities of Sevastopol and Simferopol appeared on the peninsula. Crimea is developing rapidly, money is being invested here, industry and trade are beginning to flourish.

But Türkiye did not abandon plans to regain this attractive territory and was preparing for a new war. We must pay tribute to the Russian army, which did not allow this to happen. After another war in 1791, the Treaty of Jassy was signed.

The volitional decision of Catherine II

So, in fact, the peninsula has now become part of a powerful empire, whose name is Russia. Crimea, whose history included many changes from hand to hand, needed powerful protection. The acquired southern lands had to be protected by ensuring border security. Empress Catherine II instructed Prince Potemkin to study all the advantages and weaknesses of the annexation of Crimea. In 1782, Potemkin wrote a letter to the Empress, in which he insisted on making an important decision. Catherine agrees with his arguments. She understands how important Crimea is both for solving internal government problems and from a foreign policy perspective.

On April 8, 1783, Catherine II issues a Manifesto on the annexation of Crimea. It was a fateful document. It was from this moment, from this date, that Russia, Crimea, the history of the empire and the peninsula were closely intertwined for many centuries. According to the Manifesto, all Crimean residents were promised the protection of this territory from enemies, the preservation of property and faith.

True, the Turks recognized the fact of Crimea’s annexation to Russia only eight months later. All this time, the situation around the peninsula was extremely tense. When the Manifesto was promulgated, first the clergy swore allegiance to the Russian Empire and only then the entire population. On the peninsula, ceremonial celebrations, feasts were held, games and horse races were held, and cannon salutes were fired into the air. As contemporaries noted, all of Crimea passed into the Russian Empire with joy and jubilation.

Since then, Crimea, the history of the peninsula and the way of life of its population have been inextricably linked with all the events that took place in the Russian Empire.

A powerful impetus to development

The brief history of Crimea after its annexation to the Russian Empire can be described in one word - “heyday”. Industry and agriculture, winemaking and viticulture are beginning to develop rapidly here. Fishing and salt industries appear in the cities, and people are actively developing trade relations.

Since Crimea is located in a very warm and favorable climate, many rich people wanted to get land here. Nobles, members of the royal family, and industrialists considered it an honor to establish a family estate on the territory of the peninsula. In the 19th - early 20th centuries, a rapid flowering of architecture began here. Industrial magnates, royalty, and the Russian elite build entire palaces here and create beautiful parks that have survived on the territory of Crimea to this day. And following the nobility, people of art, actors, singers, painters, and theatergoers flocked to the peninsula. Crimea becomes the cultural Mecca of the Russian Empire.

Don’t forget about the healing climate of the peninsula. Since doctors proved that the air of Crimea is extremely favorable for the treatment of tuberculosis, a mass pilgrimage began here for those wishing to be cured of this deadly disease. Crimea is becoming attractive not only for bohemian holidays, but also for health tourism.

Together with the whole country

At the beginning of the 20th century, the peninsula developed along with the entire country. The October Revolution and the subsequent civil war did not escape him either. It was from Crimea (Yalta, Sevastopol, Feodosia) that the last vessels and ships on which the Russian intelligentsia left Russia left. It was in this place that a mass exodus of White Guards was observed. The country was creating a new system, and Crimea did not lag behind.

It was in the 20s of the last century that Crimea was transformed into an all-Union health resort. In 1919, the Bolsheviks adopted the “Decree of the Council of People’s Commissars on healing areas of national importance.” Crimea is included in it with a red line. A year later, another important document was signed - the decree “On the use of Crimea for the treatment of workers.”

Until the war, the territory of the peninsula was used as a resort for tuberculosis patients. In Yalta in 1922, a specialized Institute of Tuberculosis was even opened. Funding was at the proper level, and soon this research institute became the country's main center for pulmonary surgery.

Epochal Crimean Conference

During the Great Patriotic War, the peninsula became the scene of massive military operations. Here they fought on land and at sea, in the air and in the mountains. Two cities - Kerch and Sevastopol - received the title of hero cities for their significant contribution to the victory over fascism.

True, not all the peoples inhabiting the multinational Crimea fought on the side of the Soviet Army. Some representatives openly supported the invaders. That is why in 1944 Stalin issued a decree on the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people outside the Crimea. Hundreds of trains transported an entire people to Central Asia in one day.

Crimea entered world history thanks to the fact that the Yalta Conference was held in the Livadia Palace in February 1945. The leaders of the three superpowers - Stalin (USSR), Roosevelt (USA) and Churchill (Great Britain) - signed important international documents in Crimea, according to which the world order was determined for the long post-war decades.

Crimea - Ukrainian

In 1954 a new milestone comes. The Soviet leadership decides to transfer Crimea to the Ukrainian SSR. The history of the peninsula begins to develop according to a new scenario. The initiative came personally from the then head of the CPSU Nikita Khrushchev.

This was done on a special occasion: that year the country celebrated the 300th anniversary of the Pereyaslav Rada. To commemorate this historical date and demonstrate that the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are united, Crimea was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR. And now the pair “Ukraine - Crimea” has begun to be considered as both a whole and a part of the whole. The history of the peninsula is beginning to be described in modern chronicles from scratch.

Whether this decision was economically justified, whether it was worth taking such a step then - such questions did not even arise at that time. Since the Soviet Union was united, no one attached much importance to whether Crimea would be part of the RSFSR or the Ukrainian SSR.

Autonomy within Ukraine

When the independent Ukrainian state was formed, Crimea received autonomy status. In September 1991, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Republic was adopted. And on December 1, 1991, a referendum was held in which 54% of Crimean residents supported the independence of Ukraine. In May of the following year, the Constitution of the Republic of Crimea was adopted, and in February 1994, Crimeans elected the first President of the Republic of Crimea. It was Yuri Meshkov.

It was during the years of perestroika that disputes began to arise more and more often that Khrushchev illegally gave Crimea to Ukraine. Pro-Russian sentiment on the peninsula was very strong. Therefore, as soon as the opportunity arose, Crimea returned to Russia again.

Fateful March 2014

While a large-scale state crisis began to grow in Ukraine at the end of 2013 - beginning of 2014, in Crimea voices were increasingly heard that the peninsula should be returned to Russia. On the night of February 26-27, unknown people raised the Russian flag over the building of the Supreme Council of Crimea.

The Supreme Council of Crimea and the Sevastopol City Council adopt a declaration of independence of Crimea. At the same time, the idea was voiced to hold an All-Crimean referendum. It was originally scheduled for March 31, but was then moved two weeks earlier to March 16. The results of the Crimean referendum were impressive: 96.6% of voters were in favor. The overall level of support for this decision on the peninsula was 81.3%.

The modern history of Crimea continues to take shape before our eyes. Not all countries have yet recognized the status of Crimea. But Crimeans live with faith in a bright future.