City of Vani - A 3000-Year History
Archaeological Discoveries in Georgia
Vani is an ancient multi-layered archaeological site and historical center of Georgia, which existed from the 8th–1st centuries BCE, located in the Imereti region. It is renowned as one of the major sites for archaeological findings and showcases the rich culture of the Colchian Kingdom. Situated deep within the ancient region known in antiquity as Colchis, Vani has been added to the list of Georgia's cultural heritage monuments of national significance.
In the mid-1st century BCE, ancient Vani was attacked and destroyed. Signs of destruction are evident at the gates, the sanctuary with a mosaic floor, a stepped altar, and a round temple located on the central terrace of the hill. Traces of violence and fire include completely ruined walls, scorched stones and tiles, charred beams, and clay bricks. The exact cause of the destruction remains unknown, with the possible culprits being either Pompey's troops or Mithridates of Pergamum, who succeeded Pharnaces due to Julius Caesar’s appointment in 47 BCE. The city of Vani never regained its former glory. Remnants from Roman and medieval periods survived only as isolated fragments. Among these are a looted burial site with a bronze sarcophagus, ruins of a medieval church, a furnace atop the hill, and the burial of a warrior.
Interesting Facts about Vani:
Historical Significance: Vani was an important political, economic, and religious center of the Colchian Kingdom, which existed from the 8th–1st centuries BCE. The city’s importance is connected to its location along trade route pathways.
Archaeological Finds:
Unique artifacts have been uncovered in Vani, including gold jewelry, bronze statues, coins, ceramic items, and ritual objects. The findings reflect a high level of craftsmanship, trade, and culture within the ancient Colchian society.
Religious Center:
Vani’s remnants of temples and sanctuaries indicate a developed religious and ritual aspect of the city’s life.
Museum in Vani:
Today, the Vani Archaeological Museum showcases numerous artifacts unearthed at the site of the ancient city. It serves as a critical site for studying Colchian history and culture. The museum holds over 4,000 exhibits, including samples of Colchian jewelry from tombs.
Mythological Connection: Colchis is known from the ancient Greek myth of the Golden Fleece, and Vani is considered part of this legendary land.
Vani is an ancient multi-layered archaeological site and historical center of Georgia, which existed from the 8th–1st centuries BCE, located in the Imereti region. It is renowned as one of the major sites for archaeological findings and showcases the rich culture of the Colchian Kingdom. Situated deep within the ancient region known in antiquity as Colchis, Vani has been added to the list of Georgia's cultural heritage monuments of national significance.
In the mid-1st century BCE, ancient Vani was attacked and destroyed. Signs of destruction are evident at the gates, the sanctuary with a mosaic floor, a stepped altar, and a round temple located on the central terrace of the hill. Traces of violence and fire include completely ruined walls, scorched stones and tiles, charred beams, and clay bricks. The exact cause of the destruction remains unknown, with the possible culprits being either Pompey's troops or Mithridates of Pergamum, who succeeded Pharnaces due to Julius Caesar’s appointment in 47 BCE. The city of Vani never regained its former glory. Remnants from Roman and medieval periods survived only as isolated fragments. Among these are a looted burial site with a bronze sarcophagus, ruins of a medieval church, a furnace atop the hill, and the burial of a warrior.
Interesting Facts about Vani:
Historical Significance: Vani was an important political, economic, and religious center of the Colchian Kingdom, which existed from the 8th–1st centuries BCE. The city’s importance is connected to its location along trade route pathways.
Archaeological Finds:
Unique artifacts have been uncovered in Vani, including gold jewelry, bronze statues, coins, ceramic items, and ritual objects. The findings reflect a high level of craftsmanship, trade, and culture within the ancient Colchian society.
Religious Center:
Vani’s remnants of temples and sanctuaries indicate a developed religious and ritual aspect of the city’s life.
Museum in Vani:
Today, the Vani Archaeological Museum showcases numerous artifacts unearthed at the site of the ancient city. It serves as a critical site for studying Colchian history and culture. The museum holds over 4,000 exhibits, including samples of Colchian jewelry from tombs.
Mythological Connection: Colchis is known from the ancient Greek myth of the Golden Fleece, and Vani is considered part of this legendary land.
