The publication tells about the fortresses of the south of Russia, guarding in the XV-XVIII centuries. steppe borders of the state from Tatar raids. For the first time, authors introduce into scientific circulation a large amount of unknown documentary and pictorial material of the 15th-18th centuries (mural lists, census books, plans and drawings), as well as numerous graphic reconstructions that will help readers see the appearance of long-disappeared Russian strongholds erased from the face of the Earth by an inexorable time. To date, this publication is the most complete summary of the history of South Russian fortresses.