Chersonesus, also known as Chersonesus Taurica, is an ancient Greek colony founded in the 6th century BC on the Crimean Peninsula, which is now part of modern-day Ukraine. The name "Chersonesus" means "peninsula" in Greek, and the city was so named because it was located on a peninsula that juts into the Black Sea.

Chersonesus was an important center of trade and commerce in the ancient world, and it was also a major religious center. The city was home to a number of important Greek sanctuaries and temples, including the Temple of Apollo, which was one of the largest and most impressive temples in the ancient world.

Throughout its history, Chersonesus was subjected to frequent invasions and attacks by various tribes and armies. The city was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and it changed hands many times over the centuries. The city reached its height of prosperity in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, under the rule of the Bosporan Kingdom.

In the 10th century AD, Chersonesus became part of the Kievan Rus' state, which was centered in present-day Ukraine and Russia. The city was a major trading center during this period, and it continued to play an important role in the region until the 13th century, when it was finally destroyed by the invading Mongols.

Today, Chersonesus is a popular tourist destination, and it is home to a number of important archaeological sites and monuments. The most famous of these is the ancient city itself, which has been partially restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other important sites include the Temple of Apollo, the Byzantine Basilica, and the ancient city walls.