Hermonassa (Pontus)

Hermonassa (also spelled Hermonassa or Ermonassa) was an ancient Greek city located on the Taman Peninsula, in what is now Krasnodar Krai, Russia. The city was situated on the eastern shore of the Cimmerian Bosporus (present-day Kerch Strait). It was a Greek colony founded in the mid-6th century BC, likely by Ionians, although the precise origin remains debated.

Hermonassa, along with Panticapaeum and Phanagoria, was a significant trading center in the Bosporan Kingdom. It served as a link between the Greek world and the Scythian and Sarmatian tribes of the region. Its strategic location facilitated trade in grain, fish, slaves, and other commodities.

The city underwent various periods of prosperity and decline, experiencing rule under the Bosporan Kingdom, the Roman Empire, and later the Byzantine Empire. During the Roman period, it was known as Hermonassa. The city's name changed over time, and it was eventually known as Tmutarakan in Slavic sources.

Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed evidence of a substantial settlement with fortifications, temples, and residential areas. The finds include pottery, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts that shed light on the city's history and culture. The site provides valuable insights into the interaction between Greek colonists and the indigenous populations of the Black Sea region.

The settlement of Hermonassa was eventually destroyed in the 13th century, likely during the Mongol invasion.