Caucasus

The Caucasus (Russian Кавказ (Kavkaz)) is a region in eastern Europe and western Asia between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea which includes the Caucasus mountains and surrounding lowlands. The highest peak is Elbrus (5642m).

The independent nations that comprise today's Caucasus include Russia (Northern Caucasus district), Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Large, non-independent areas of the Caucasus include Abkhazia, Ossetia, Chechnya, and Dagestan, among others. The Caucasus is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse places on earth. In parts of Georgia, each neighbouring valley speaks with its own language.

The southern section of the Caucasus is known as the Transcaucasus.

Historical nations of the Caucasus:

• Khazaria
• Avaria
• Aghbania - also known as Caucasian Albania

Historical events:

• The Arab-Khazar Wars
• Conquest of the Caucasus by Russia
• Armenian Genocide
• 1991: Re-establishment of the independence of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan

In Greek mythology, the Caucasus was one of the pillars supporting the world. Prometheus was chained there by Zeus.