History of the Caucasus

Throughout history, Southern Caucasus and the Southeastern portion of the North Caucasus have come under the control of various empires, including the Achaemenid, Neo-Assyrian Empire, Parthian, Roman, Sassanian, Byzantine, Mongol, Ottoman, Iranian and Russian Empires. Starting in the late 1700s, Russia gained strong foothold in the region upon invitation of Georgia, which was seeking assistance against Islamic invasions. After establishing itself in the southern portion of the region, the Russian Empire subsequently conquered and annexed North Caucasus through the Caucasian Wars (1817–1864).

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