Khumar

Khumar overlooks the upper Kuban from a rocky plateau defended by steep slopes and ravines on three sides. Here stood a substantial early medieval fortress, active during the age of the Khazar Khaganate. Its builders strengthened the natural defenses with a ditch, stone walls, towers and guarded gates; a citadel occupied the interior, and ceramic pipes carried water towards a well. The stronghold watched routes through the northern Caucasus, but ceased to function in the tenth century as Khazar power declined.