Scythian Naples in Simferopol, Crimea

Scythian Naples is the ruins of an ancient city and an open-air Archaeological Park, and perhaps the most significant landmark of Simferopol. This is a functioning archaeological site, and when visiting you will have the chance to listen to a tour accompanied by a real archaeologist, not just a guide.

Scientists believe that on the site of Scythian Naples in the 3rd century BC there was an ancient city, namely one of the largest Scythian settlements, which in those distant times occupied an area of about 20 hectares. The name Naples translates as "new city".

In the second century BC, the city was in its heyday, and in the 3rd century AD was destroyed by the Goths. In its heyday, Scythian Naples was a major center of culture and trade, and because of the constant wars between the Goths and Scythians was surrounded by powerful walls.

However, the facts concerning when and by whom a large cultural center was destroyed are not absolutely reliable, since in some manuscripts of ancient chroniclers there are data on the existence of this settlement in the time of Svyatoslav of Kiev, and this is about the 10th century AD.

Since the beginning of the 19th century, excavations have been carried out on the territory of the ancient city. So in 1827, archaeologist Ivan Pavlovich Blaramberg found a relief depicting King Skilur and his son. According to historical data, Skilur is the ruler who could not protect the ancient city from destruction. And since 1925, full-scale research was launched, during which the remains of defensive towers and ancient Scythian burials, various statues, household items of the ancient Scythians were discovered.

Currently, on the territory of the ancient settlement there is an open-air museum-reserve, the grand opening of which was carried out on July 25, 2011. At the moment, Scythian Naples, as a monument of ancient culture, is of great historical value. Archaeological excavations and research are still being conducted here. And every year there are new historical objects and objects, so even visiting it every year, the tourist will find something special and interesting.

The scale of Naples available for inspection is not striking (in fact, it is an area of a hectare with excavations and one restored structure on it), however, we recommend that you definitely visit it. As we mentioned above, you will be able to listen to an interesting lecture from archaeologists-guides, without which the inspection will not be so interesting. Moreover, there are almost never many tourists in this place, so you will be with the guide almost one-on-one and will be able to ask him questions.

Photo of Scythian Naples, Simferopol