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Caucasus has been inhabited by nations of the Iberian, Indo-European, Semitic and Turk origin.
Among the ancient civilizations, formed in this region probably the
most mysterious one is
Khazars
Location
Caucasus is located at the north-west of Asia Minor, between Black and Caspian Seas. Tens of millions of years ago the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas comprised one waterspace and the contemporary Caucasian ridge was the sea bottom. Due to the " continent movement " Caucasian mountains are still rising up. Apparently Caucasus is seismically active region with the probability of magnitude 8 earthquakes per century. However the mild climate and fruitful soil had attracted the Human 1 million years ago. Natural resources, together with the significant strategic location have caused the attempts of various invaders to gain the control over the Caucasus. However, all attempts even from such powerful countries as Alexander The Macedonian's Greece, Roman Empire, Arab Empire, Chenghis Khan Mongolia, France and so on, had failed resulting in devastatition of this region. After many years of suffering and poverty, Slavic population of this region as part of the Russia had been able to unite this wild and hostile region, bringing peace and prosperity to its inhabitants.
Languages
Iberio-Caucasian branch of languages consists of several language groups. Nowadays about 50 of them are spoken in Caucasus: - Georgian (Kartvelian) group consists of Georgian (Kartuli), Megrelian (Margaluri) and Svan (Lushnu); - Nakh (Vainakh) group consists of Nokhchi (Chechen), Ghalghai (Ingush) and Batsbi (Tsova-Tush); - In the Daghestan about 40 languages -- Avarian, Darginian, Lakian, Lezgian, Khundz etc. -- comprise the biggest language group; - In Adiga group Adiga, Circassians and Apsua languages are spoken. Also three Indo-European languages -- Armenian, Ossetian and Russian are spoken, as well as number of Turk ones both by people of Turk (Kumyk, Noghai, etc.) and mixed Turk - Caucasian origin (Karachai, Balkar and Azer). Many of Caucasian nations didn't have their own written language before they became a part of Russia. Under the Russian protection all nations got chance to develop their culture uninhibited.
Religions
Christianity The vast majority of Georgians, living in contemporary Georgia along with Apsua and Ossetians are Orthodox Christians, while a small minority -- Catholics. Armenians confess Gregorian (monophizitic) Christianity. People of Slavic origin, living in Caucasus (Russians, Ukrainians, Cossacks) are also Orthodox Christians. Islam Azers and most of Northern Caucasian people along with the minority of Georgians and Apsua living in Georgia are Muslims.
Relationships
Generally, there have not been any strict border lines between Caucasian people. The ethnically mixed border areas are the source of constant wars and hostile relationships between the neighboring nations, complicated by religion antagonism. Only a mighty external force like Russian and later Soviet empire was able to keep peace and stability in this region.
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