Azov, Sea of, a shallow, Russian branch of the Black Sea. It is eighty miles wide and perhaps twice that distance in length. Area, 14,000 square miles. It nowhere exceeds fifty feet in depth. It receives the Don. It abounds in fish. There are several safe harbors. The waters, particularly of the western part, are so offensive as to win the name of "The Putrid Sea." The Russians have constructed a military road along the coast of Crimea. See ARAL; CASPIAN.