According to recorded sources, Sudak was founded in the year 212. Its name originates from the old Iranian word « sughda » – « pure », « saint ».
The fact, as well as some local archaeological finds linked to the Iranian tribes of Alans, may well indicate that they were the city’s founders.
In the 4th century, the South-eastern Crimea is in the center of the Byzantine Empire. It is due to Byzantine’s influence that the natives adopt Orthodox Christianity (in the early 8th century the city becomes the center of an orthodox diocese), and the Greek language spreads up. By the middle of the 9th century, the area of the city becomes tripled. The new fortification protects an area of 20 hectares.
In the 10th – 13th century, Sudak reaches the dome of its flourishing. It becomes the greatest trading center on the northern coast of the Black Sea.
In the late 11th century the city becomes subjugated by the Polovets.
In 1217 it is conquered by the Seljukian Turks.
In the middle of 13th century, Sudak goes into the Crimean Ulus of the recently formed golden horde.
Favorable trading conditions in the Mongol Empire cause a fierce struggle for taking possession of mercantile ports on the Black Seacoast between the merchants of Venice and Genoa.