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Dolmens of North Caucasia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

A. M. Tallgren
A. M. Tallgren*
Affiliation:
Archaeology, University of Helsingfors
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Extract

The Caucasus is by no means a homogeneous region. It consists of a very high mountain-chain, the main parts of which reach to a height of over 5000 metres, with others of 1000–1600 metres. Forming an isthmus between two seas, the Asiatic Caspian and the Mediterranean Black Sea, it is open to both eastern and western influence. There is no distinct boundary between its northern part and the endless Eurasiatic grasslands, and in the south it is connected with the Armenian and Anatolian highlands. South of the mountain-chain the Caucasus has a Mediterranean climate: vines, rice and tea are cultivated and it is rich in metals. North of the mountain-range also the soil is very fertile, especially in the valley of the Kuban river. There, in the northeast corner of the Euxine, prehistoric culture flourished very early and reached a high level. I shall here give an outline sketch of its character, and especially of the so-called Kuban culture of the Early Bronze Age, which takes its name from the Kuban river. This river flows into the Black Sea, but its upper course lies in the high mountains not far from the Elbruz. It has many tributaries, especially on the left, the Caucasian, side. Among these the Laba, the Belaya and the Abin may be mentioned.

Type
Research Article
Information
Antiquity , Volume 7 , Issue 26 , June 1933 , pp. 190 - 202
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 1933

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References

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2 A more detailed description of the Caucasian dolmens will be published in the 9th volume of the Eurasia Septentrionalis Antiqua (=ESA) in Helsinki-Helsingfors.

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