The most famous nation of the Caucasus - Circassians. They are considered descendants of the Zeks, who, according to ancient authors, inhabited the shores of the Black sea, as well as the Kerketov, which Strabo mentions.Circassians call themselves Adige, which means noble.

The word Circassian is Turkish and means cutting the road, as well as a robber. Previously, the Circassians were a strong tribe that owned the entire Caucasian isthmus and even the Crimea.

A Circassian nobleman is depicted here.The aristocracy was a military caste of Circassians.Although every Circassian male who had a dagger and a horse was considered a warrior, it was the aristocrats who were the knights.The aristocrats owned numerous lands and villages, from which they collected taxes and protected them in case of danger.