The ruins of the ancient city of Panticapaeum is one of the most popular and unique attractions of modern Kerch, located on mount Mithridates.

Panticapaeum was the capital of the Bosporan Kingdom, which existed in ancient times on the banks of the current of the Taman and Kerch peninsulas. The name of Panticapaeum Thracian or has Iranian roots and means "fish way". According to another version, the ancient city was named after the river Anticopy.

Panticapaeum several centuries was one of the most developed and wealthiest cities on the shores of the Black sea and it's all thanks to its favorable geographical location. The city long enough was at the crossroads of trade routes between the Mediterranean, China, Central Asia and Europe. A small colony of Panticapaeum in the heyday of Athens has reached global importance. The prosperity of Athens was very closely connected with the Greek colony of Panticapaeum, which was reflected both in cultural influence, and internal order of the city-state.

The most notable people Panticapaeum lived on mount Mithridates. The patron of the city was Apollo, so on the day the temple was built in his honor. The construction of the temple was completed in the late 6th century BC a Little later there appeared the noble palaces of the residents.

Panticapaeum was a fairly large city. In its heyday, it took up to one hundred hectares of land. Sailing on the ships of the people admired the Acropolis hill, with its beautiful white stone temples at the top, and the rich palaces, located on the slopes of the mountain.

During the years of archaeological excavations was collected a collection of amphora material, painted ceramics of all types, stamps, coins. It was also found many priceless epigraphic documents that shed new light on the history, culture and religion of the Bosporus. Today they are stored in the very interesting Museum of the city - historical and archaeological.

Now everyone can see the traces of the once-booming state. Here are preserved remains of walls of buildings, towers and marble columns. The main character of the ruins of the ancient city of Panticapaeum is a high arch with columns and carved stone portico.