Harax

a Roman military camp and fortress on Cape Ai-Todor in the Crimea. Harax was established in the first century A.D., during the reign of the emperor Vespasian, to protect the ancient cities along the northern shore of the Black Sea, especially Cher-sonesus, from the Scythians and other tribes. It was first excavated in the mid–19th century; extensive excavations were conducted by V. D. Blavatskii between 1931 and 1935. Harax had an area of 4.5 hectares; within the two rows of walls were thermae, gymnasiums, a pool with a mosaic bottom, a water-supply system with clay pipes, and dwellings. A sanctuary dating from the second century was situated beyond the outer wall. The names of the units of the Harax garrison were established from the markings on the tiles and bricks. After the evacuation of the Roman troops, Harax remained a settlement of fishermen, farmers, and artisans, who left a necropolis from the fourth century.