a celebrated and important fortress of Russia, once a place of considerable trade, but now demolished. It was situated in the district of Bachmut, near the place where the Greeks many centuries ago built the city of Tanais, which was very famous for its trade, and underwent many vicissitudes. The Genoese, who settled a trade with Russia soon after the discovery of Archangel by Captain Chancellor, became masters of this place, and gave it the name of Tana or Catana: but the Tartars, who were very powerful in these parts, seem to have been in possession of it long before; for, as Bulching informs us, there are Afow coins yet extant, on which is the name of Tacktamyfs Kan. From the Genoese it fell into the hands of the Turks, lost its its trade, and became an inconsiderable town. In 1637, it was taken by the Cossacks, who defended it against the Turks in 1641, and next year set fire to it, and blew it up. The Turks rebuilt it with strong fortifications. The Russians laid claim to it in 1672, and took it in 1696; but, by the treaty of Pruth in 1711, it was restored to the Turks. In 1736, the Russians became masters of Afsow; but by the treaty of Belgrade they were obliged to relinquish it, and entirely destroy the place.