In the southeastern part of the Crimean Peninsula, on the slopes of the Kubalach mountain range, archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient settlement that was once surrounded by walls. This city belonged to the late Scythians. According to researchers, it was inhabited for approximately 800 years, from the 4th century BCE to the 4th century CE. The City was Named Melek As Irina Shkriblyak, deputy director of the Scythian Naples Museum-Reserve, told TASS, this fortress was previously unknown to archaeologists. It was studied only this summer. “It served as a shelter for local residents and a defense against raids. The outline of the fortress's defensive structures has been quite well preserved: remains of walls, towers about 4-5 meters high. The entrance to the fortress and key defensive points have been identified,” she noted. Despite the centuries that have passed, the defensive structures remain in excellent condition. The city boasted impressive fortifications. According to researchers, some towers reached a height of 8 meters and could shelter more than a hundred people at the same time. However, judging by traces of fire and looting, the fortress's defenders likely surrendered under the pressure of significant enemy forces. Archaeologists believe that the city belonged to the late Scythians. It is possible that a mixed population lived there, influenced by Greek culture but not subordinate to any external authority. The name of the ancient settlement remains unknown to scholars. For now, it has been called Melek, after the nearest settlement in the Belogorsk district of Crimea. The Kubalach Ridge in the southeastern part of the Crimean Peninsula remains poorly explored by archaeologists. Their research has intensified only recently, and over the past five years, they have discovered about ten Scythian settlements in this mountainous area. The largest of them was located on Mount Kara-Tau and was built on terraces covering an area of 60 to 90 hectares. It is believed that fruit trees were cultivated and houses were constructed on these terraces. These findings could significantly reshape our understanding of the peninsula's history during the late Scythian period. Among the discovered artifacts are numerous items from other regions, including Rome. This supports researchers' theories that the local population engaged in active trade with ancient cities.