Southern Russia's mineral springs region features therapeutic waters since early 19th century. Literary figures like Lermontov, Pushkin and Tolstoy visited during summers. Region surrounded by Caucasus mountains and numerous lakes with therapeutic muds
Caucasus spans 170,000 square miles between Black and Caspian Seas. Region includes Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Divides Europe and Asia along Greater Caucasus watershed. Name derived from Hittite "Kaz-kaz" people on Black Sea coast
Georgia was home to Mesolithic cultures between 11,200-6000 BC. Georgians called themselves Kartvelebi, derived from pagan god Kartlos. Foreign name Georgia comes from Kurj/Gurj, not St George
First national university in Caucasus, located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Comprises 7 faculties and 16 independent scientific-research institutes. Implements about 200 local and international scientific grant programs annually. Currently serves about 22,000 students across seven faculties
Khazars were Turkic tribes in northern Caucasus, part of western Turkic empire. Aided Byzantine emperor Heraclius against Persians in mid-6th century. Became independent from eastern Turkic empire by early 7th century
Founded in 1784 as Russian fortress to protect Georgia. Became important industrial and trade center by mid-19th century. Renamed Ordzhonikidze in 1931, then Dzaudzhikau in 1944. Returned to Vladikavkaz name in 1990