Between the Black Sea and the Caspian - History of The Caucasus

Nestled between the Black Sea in the west and the Caspian in the east is the Caucasus. This strategic position is one of the factors for the massive cultural diversity in this region. From its mountainous territorial past, it evolved into a bridge between empires and the birthplace of numerous languages and traditions. Now, it continues to serve as home to many persecuted people.

Early Civilizations and Formation of Kingdoms

The Caucasus has been occupied since the Paleolithic age. This was followed by the progressive stages affording highly polished cultures in the Bronze Age to flourish. Civilizations like the Kura-Araxes and Koban cultures emerged to lay the basis for the establishment of a mighty kingdom at around 1000 BCE.

Colchis: A Gold Thread in Early Trade

At this moment, Colchis — a kingdom that was located where present-day Georgia now is — became an important region in the formulation of trade networks.

Regarding the legend of the Golden Fleece, it is highly probable that the story appeared as a result of Colchis’ association with gold and its location on the main trade routes.

Religious Crossroads: Christianity and Zoroastriansim

There are two principal world religions which left their imprint on the Caucasus. First between these two is the Zoroastrian religion. This religion, which initially evolved in Persia, started spreading northwards and impacted the traditions of the region.

Armenia, on the other hand, was rather unique and turned to Christianity. They will go on to become one of the first Christian countries at the beginning of the 4th century CE. Adopting Christianity as a state religion played a great role in Armenian art, architecture and literature.

Islamic Conquest and Local Kingdoms

Formally, the region entering the sphere of Islamic influence occurred between the 7th & 8th centuries through the conquests of the Arabs. But, what once drove some regions into conversion, did not produce the same effect in others. In Georgia, for instance, people chose to remain Christians.

The subsequent centuries saw the formation of Islamic emirates as well as a revival of independent native Christian kingdoms. Islamic architecture in the region is well displayed in the works of the Bagrationi dynasty in Georgia and the Shirvanshahs in Azerbaijan.

Independence and Challenges

There was so much upheaval during the 20th century that it is often described as the century of changes. The revolutionary movement of 1917 in Russia caused the formation of the Soviet Union. Through this development, Caucasus became part of the Soviet Socialist Republics.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, some independent nations emerged:

Conclusion

Although many problems connected with ethnic and territorial tensions still exist in the region, these countries are not relenting in their efforts. Caucasus nations are constructing multiple models in the framework of the 21st century, taking into consideration their colorful historical past.