The name of Sevastopol has Greek origin and means “reverend city”. The city was founded in 1783 and was named in etymology trend of giving Greek names to Crimean cities. Sevastopol was probably named after the Empress Catherine II (“Sebastos” is the traditional Greek translation of the honorable Roman title Augustus "venerable, august", given to Roman emperors).
74% of city’s population are Russians therefore Russian remains predominant language in Sevastopol like in the rest of Crimea.
Sevastopol is an important naval point and centre of marine biology research. During World War II a secret naval program tool place here. The goal was to train dolphins and use them for special underwater operations. Today studying of these animals still continues, but in peaceful means.
The city is also a popular seaside resort. Sevastopol has over 1,800 monuments and memorials, 11 arts and entertainment centers, 4 theaters, including one of the oldest Russian theaters, the Lunacharsky Theater, 10 museums, 4 stadiums. Among city’s historic places are Ukrainian, Russian, British, Georgian, Armenian, Greek, French, Jewish, Italian and other sights. The whole city is one big place of interest, museum and gift from the past.