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Greek and Jewish emporium

The town was founded on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Hermonassa, located a few miles west of the major Tean polis-colony of Phanagoria. Along with Phanagoria and Panticapaeum, Hermonassa was one of the main trade centers for the Bosporan Kingdom; as such, its Greek culture was somewhat tempered by Sarmatian influences. Hermonassa was likely destroyed during the arrival of the Huns in the region, but settlement on the site resumed shortly thereafter. Phanagoria was the capital of the Great Bulgaria during several decades. In the 7th century, the region fell to the Khazars, who built the fortress town of Tamatarkha. Arabic sources refer to it as Samkarsh al-Yahud (i.e., "Samkarsh the Jewish"), perhaps indicating a Jewish majority.Brook __. Other variants of the city's name are "Samkersh" and "Samkush"."Krimchaks". Encyclopedia Judaica Read full entry

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