GREATER CAUCASUS Meaning and
Definition
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The Greater Caucasus, academically known as the Greater Caucasus Range, is a major mountain range situated between the Black and Caspian Seas in Eurasia. Spanning approximately 1,100 kilometers from the western border of Russia to the eastern edge of Georgia, it covers a significant portion of the geopolitical region known as the Caucasus. This mountain range forms a natural divide between the northern region, commonly referred to as European Russia, and the southern region, primarily comprising Georgia.
The Greater Caucasus is characterized by its towering peaks, with many exceeding 4,000 meters in height, including Mount Elbrus, the highest summit in Europe. The range is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, featuring diverse ecosystems, pristine alpine landscapes, and a brilliant display of flora and fauna. It serves as a habitat for various endangered species, such as the Caucasian leopard and the West Caucasian tur.
Historically, the Greater Caucasus has played a prominent role in various civilizations, serving as a natural barrier between the Eurasian steppe and South Asia. It has served as a corridor for trade routes, facilitating cultural exchanges and influencing the development of neighboring societies. The mountain range has also witnessed numerous conflicts and conquests due to its strategic geographical position.
Today, the Greater Caucasus attracts mountaineers, hikers, and nature lovers from around the world, offering a unique blend of adventure, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Etymology of GREATER CAUCASUS
The word "Caucasus" comes from the Greek word "Καύκασος" (Kaúkasos), which was derived from the ancient Persian name for the region, "Kafkas". The Persians, in turn, borrowed the name from the local Circassian or Adyghe people who referred to the mountains as "Kāasāwa".
The term "Greater Caucasus" specifically refers to the main mountain range in the Caucasus region. Its name combines "greater", meaning larger or more significant, with "Caucasus", denoting the entire mountain range. The term is used to distinguish the higher and more prominent range from the "Lesser Caucasus", the parallel range located to the south.
