The fundamental work of the outstanding military historian, General of the Russian Army V. A. Potto covers the period of the Caucasian War from the beginning of the 16th century to 1831. For many years, in different places, the author collected scattered documents and materials with one goal - to extract from oblivion and combine them into one coherent the narrative is dramatic and heroic events, which, developing and intensifying, determined the very special role of the Caucasian War in our history. The first volume includes events from the beginning of the 16th century. until 1812.