The Real Plagues of the Caucasus: Dargavs Necropolis

The City of the Dead of Russia: Dargavs Village
Tucked away in the breathtaking scenery of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia's North Ossetia region lies the mysterious settlement of Dargavs. Popularly known as the "City of the Dead," this area transports visitors through time with its unique necropolis—an expanse of stone houses with pointed roofs and single windows. It is a fascinating, yet somewhat eerie, site with thousands of years of history, believed to be the resting place of approximately 10,000 bodies.
The Mystery and Origin of Dargavs:
The exact date of Dargavs' founding and the reason for establishing such a large cemetery in this remote location remain a mystery. However, the region's distinctive architecture and historical records suggest that this "city of the dead" was actively used from approximately the 14th to the 18th centuries.
One of the most common and chilling theories concerning the origins of Dargavs is linked to plague epidemics:
* Quarantine and the Wait for Death: Epidemics, particularly the plague, frequently ravaged the Ossetian region. To prevent the spread of the disease, infected villagers would isolate themselves within these single-windowed stone houses. Families were quarantined in these structures, cutting off contact with the outside world. It is believed that once they entered, they never left, simply waiting for death. This is interpreted as both a method of quarantine and a form of mass self-sacrifice.
* The Tradition of Protecting the Family: Some sources indicate a tradition in Ossetian culture for deceased family members to remain together in their tribal crypts. Therefore, each "house" may actually be a family burial structure where members were interred over generations.
The Architecture and Crypts of Dargavs:
The structures in Dargavs are notable for their simple yet impressive stonework. Each building resembles a small house, generally featuring a single window. These windows are thought to have been opened for the souls of the dead to exit or to allow light inside. Within the houses, the remains are typically found on wooden platforms or directly on the ground. In some crypts, bodies were placed inside wooden structures resembling boats, a detail that may be linked to the belief that the souls of the dead crossed a "river" to the afterlife.
Dargavs Today:
Today, Dargavs has become a significant historical and tourist site. The region's steep and challenging terrain makes it a difficult but captivating place to reach. Visitors are met with both the unique beauty of the mountains and the mysterious atmosphere of the "City of the Dead." Although some local superstitions suggest that visiting the area brings bad luck, this has not diminished Dargavs' popularity.
Dargavs is more than just a cemetery; it is an important historical document that reflects the brutality of past epidemics, the human struggle for survival, and the rich cultural heritage and belief systems of the region.

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