The oldest archaeological monuments in Georgia

Archaeological excavations trace human settlement in the Mtskheta area back to the 2nd millennium BCE. Numerous Bronze Age burials (early 1st millennium BCE) prove that Mtskheta was already a significant settlement during that period. These findings highlight Mtskheta's importance as a capital and a cultural-political center for millennia, making it an integral part of Georgia's historical heritage.

Western Georgia, the Kakheti region, is renowned for its wealth of archaeological monuments and is considered one of the oldest regions inhabited by humans. Since the 1960s, numerous archaeological studies have been conducted in the Dedoplis Tskaro area, uncovering significant finds such as the Kodiskhevi tomb (dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE) and the remains of a Bronze Age city near the Iori River.

Excavations at Grakliani Hill have uncovered unique evidence of human presence dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE. The Grakliani inscriptions are among the oldest writing systems, approximately 3,000 years old. These inscriptions represent a significant archaeological discovery that is crucial for studying the history of writing and the development of early civilizations in the Caucasus and the wider world.

Uplistsikhe is a fascinating cave city. It emerged in the late 2nd to early 1st millennium BCE, experienced several periods of rise and decline, and was finally abandoned in the 19th century. As a multi-layered archaeological site, it stands as one of the most significant monuments of Georgian culture. The uniqueness of the site lies in its preservation of traces of architectural and religious structures built over thousands of years.

Vani, located in Western Georgia, was an important city in the ancient kingdom of Colchis. Excavations have uncovered impressive artifacts, including gold jewelry, bronze statues, and ceramics, dating from the 8th to the 1st century BCE. Cultural significance: The rich archaeological findings in Vani emphasize the city's role as a religious and cultural center, with close ties to the broader ancient cultures of the world.

This Neolithic culture, dating back to the 6th millennium BCE, is one of the earliest known cultures. Archaeological monuments have revealed evidence of early farming communities. Various artifacts have been discovered, including a remarkable terracotta vessel, the Qvevri, used for wine, dating back to the 6th millennium BCE. This discovery solidifies Georgia's reputation as the birthplace of wine.

The oldest honey ever discovered was found in Georgia, dating back to approximately 3500 BCE. The discovery was made during the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in 2003, in the Borjomi area. The honey was located in ceramic vessels within a tomb belonging to a noblewoman. This finding predates the previously known oldest honey found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun by about 2000 years.

Dmanisi is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Discovered in the Kvemo Kartli region, it has significantly altered our understanding of early human migration.

Findings: In the early 1990s, remains of early humans, Homo Erectus Georgicus, were uncovered here, estimated by scientists to be around 1.8 million years old. These remains are among the earliest human fossils found outside Africa. This site has provided invaluable data on the development and migration of early humans, showcasing the adaptability and resourcefulness of our ancestors.

The rich archaeological finds from the Bronze Age also confirm Georgia's tradition of metal production, known as the Kura-Araxes culture. Ceramic, stone, and metal figurines from the Kura-Araxes region have a distinctive style that makes them easily recognizable. A notable artifact from this culture is the gold figurine of a lion, discovered in a lavish tomb near the town of Tsnori during excavations in 1974, led by archaeologist Kiazo Pitskhelauri in the Alazani Valley in Kakheti. It dates back to the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE and stands as an exceptional example with no equivalents in the world.

The Trialeti culture flourished in the late 3rd and early 2nd millennium BCE in the Trialeti region of Georgia. Discoveries: Rich burial mounds containing highly artistic items made of precious metals, such as gold and silver cups adorned with relief friezes. Ceramics: Painted ceramics that demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship. The Trialeti culture exhibits significant connections with other regions of the Middle East and the ancient world, as evidenced by the similarities in material culture and artifacts.

The archaeological site of the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age in Georgia is located in the steppes of the Shiraki Plain in the southeastern region of Kakheti. It was discovered in 2014 through satellite imagery. Archaeologists have dated it to the period from the 12th to 9th century BCE. The settlement is surrounded by a defensive wall 1.5 km long and 7 meters wide, unique in its scale and design. The ruins of dwellings, water supply systems, tombs, tools, and bronze items have been uncovered.

The ancient Roman bridge, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia, was built around 65 BCE during the campaign of Roman general Pompey the Great in Iberia and Colchis. The bridge played a crucial role in trade and ensuring regional connectivity. It was part of the Georgian Military Road and was used throughout antiquity, the Middle Ages, and even into the 19th century. Literary mention: The bridge was referenced by renowned writers such as Pushkin and Tolstoy in their travel notes. The bridge is part of the historical monuments of Mtskheta, which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994.