Astrakhan’s history

The history of Astrakhan dates back to the 13^th century when a small settlement appeared on the banks of the river Volga. Astrakhan was founded in 1558 but it doesn’t mean there were no towns on the territory of modern Astrakhan region. Since old times there have been different settlements of nomadic tribes. There was a state of Khazars, with the capital Itil. At about 140 km from modern Astrakhan there was an ancient capital of the Golden Hords – Sarai-batu – that of the great and powerful empire of tatar-mongols. Great battles were on this territory among Slavs, Pechenegs, Khazars and Polovets.

The history of the present Astrakhan began only in the 16^th century. And it is closely connected with the history of the Kremlin. It was built in 1552 and this data is considered to the beginning of Astrakhan’s history, which is very rich.

The left bank of the river was chosen for the Kremlin and the center of the town because it was the most suitable place for the fortress where Astrakhan was at that time.

Answer the questions

1. When did the history of Astrakhan begin?

2. When was Astrakhan found?

3. What settlements lived on the territory of modern Astrakhan region?

4. What capitals were there?

5. What battles were on the territory?

6. When did the history of the modern astrakhan begin?

7. When was the Kremlin built?

8. Why was the left bank of Volga chosen for the Kremlin?

VI. Agree or disagree. Prove your point of view.

1. The history of Astrakhan dates back to the 11^th century when a small settlement appeared on the banks of the river Volga.

2. Astrakhan was founded in 1558 and there were no towns on the territory of modern Astrakhan region.

3. Since old times there have been different settlements of nomadic tribes.

4. At about 140 km from modern Astrakhan there was an ancient capital of the Golden Hords – Itil.

5. The history of the present Astrakhan began when the Kremlin was built.

6. The right bank of the river was chosen for the Kremlin.

VII. Retell the text “Astrakhan’s history” grammar: The Past Continuous Tense

Прошедшее длительное время употребляется для:

• Выражения действия, протекавшего в определенный момент в прошлом, который обозначен либо обстоятельном времени, либо другим действием в прошлом:

EX: I was watching a TV show at 5 o’clock.

В 5 часов я смотрел ТВ-шоу.

I was watching a TV show when she came.

Я смотрел ТВ-шоу, когда она пришла.

• Выражения длительного действия, протекавшего в определенный период времени в прошлом (all day long last Saturday – весь день в прошлую субботу, the whole day yesterday – весь вчерашний день).

EX: I was watching a TV-show the whole day yesterday.

Вчера весь день я смотрел ТВ-шоу.

Прошедшее длительное время образуется:

TO BE (в Past Simple) + Participle I

EX: I was working at 5 o’clock.

Для построения вопросительной и отрицательной формы используется вспомогательный глагол to be в прошедшем времени (was, were)

EX: Was I working at 5 o’clock? I was not working at 5 o’clock.