Panticapaeum was an ancient Greek colony founded about 2600 years ago on the Cimmerian Bosporus, at the site of present-day Kerch city in the Crimea (Ukraine). The word 'Panticapaeum' could be translated as 'Fish Road'. Panticapaeum became the capital of the Bosporan Kingdom, which arose in the 5th century BC. City was a large wine-making, fishing and trade center of that time. It was heavily damaged in Saumacus revolt and Diophantus capture of the city at the end of the 2nd century BC and by an earthquake in 70 BC.

Ruins of Panticapaeum in Kerch

Panticapaeum was rebuilt under Roman rule, and by the 1st century AD had regained its commercial importance. It began to decline in the 3rd century as tribal raids disrupted the trade in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Basin. Panticapaeum was destroyed by the Huns in 370. Later a town arose at the site, which in the Middle Ages became known as Bosporus. Today archeological expeditions systematically excavate the site of Panticapaeum in Kerch.

Alternative spelling:

• Pantikapaeum
• Pantikapey
• Panticapey