Scientists are sure that the history of Rostov-on-Don is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most tragic cities in the south of Russia. People lived on these lands even before our era, this is confirmed by the finds of archaeological excavations that were in the vicinity of the city and on the territory of the region.
Scientists propose to start the countdown of modern history from Peter the Great and his famous Azov campaigns. There is a beautiful legend about the emergence of a new settlement, which received the poetic name of the Rich Well. Although more realistic is the version about Peter's plans to build a fortress, which would be one of the southern outposts of Russia.
At the origins of the city
Peter's plans were not destined to come true, the city appeared much later, scientists call the date - 1749. And the foundation of the settlement is correlated with the creation of the Temernitskaya customs, which appeared here at the behest of Empress Elizabeth.
Initially, the customs office was located in Cherkassk, and the buildings of the garrison barracks, pier, warehouses were erected here. And this was the only port in the south of Russia owned by the Russians, it was through it that trade with the European maritime powers was conducted.
A fortress was erected near the settlement of Bogaty Kolodez (well) to protect against the raids of the Tatars and Turks. In 1761 it acquired the name, it was given the name of Dimitri, Metropolitan of Rostov and Yaroslavl. The name was too long, so it was gradually transformed, the following "reincarnations" went through:
- the fortress of Dmitry Rostovsky (already shorter than the name given by the empress);
- a little later the Rostov Fortress;
- a very simple name - Rostov;
- Rostov-on-Don, transformation towards complication in order to distinguish it from Rostov the Great.
At the crossroads of centuries
The history of Rostov-on-Don (briefly) is associated with the development of the port, in addition to the permanent residents of the city, its temporary population was made up of Russian and foreign merchants, workers, mainly immigrants from Ukraine. The role of the fortress grew during the Russian-Turkish wars in the 18th century.
In the 19th century, when the Black Sea region became part of the Russian Empire, the strategic importance of the fortress faded into the background. Rostov itself becomes an ordinary district town, belongs to Novorossiysk (since 1797), Ekaterinoslavskaya (since 1802) provinces.
On the other hand, the Rostov port managed to retain its role and significantly expand its powers. Thanks to trade with cities and countries, the city developed rapidly, and large industrial enterprises appeared. Today Rostov-on-Don is one of the most beautiful southern Russian cities.
