Derbent Gates: Ancient Fortifications Linked to Alexander Myth. Derbent fortifications in southern Russia straddle the 3km corridor between Caucasus Mountains and Caspian Sea City inhabited since at least 800 BCE, remained northern limit of empires for nearly 2000 years Sasanian Empire built one of largest defensive systems outside China
In Russia's Caucasus, the ancient city of Derbent has guarded the Caspian corridor for nearly 3,000 years. Medieval writers linked its massive fortifications to Gog and Magog legends, mapping these legends onto real fortifications that repelled Huns, Turks, and Mongols. The UNESCO-protected gates still stand today as testament to this strategic gateway between the Caucasus Mountains and Caspian Sea.
Key Facts
- Derbent fortifications in southern Russia straddle the 3km corridor between Caucasus Mountains and Caspian Sea
- City inhabited since at least 800 BCE, remained northern limit of empires for nearly 2000 years
- Sasanian Empire built one of largest defensive systems outside China
- Medieval writers mapped Gog and Magog legends onto real fortifications that repelled Huns, Turks, and Mongols
- UNESCO-protected gates still stand today; Alexander likely did not build them
- Romans paid tributes of gold to support the defenses
Related site: Derbent Wall — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: 5 Most Massive Unexplained Ancient Walls by Dark5 Ancient Mysteries