New discoveries in Georgia’s ancient capital

The ancient capital of Georgia is cementing a name for itself as a place of historic significance.

A Georgian National Museum excavation of the royal residence in Mtskheta saw the team uncover new ancient treasures alongside the remains of more than 10 ancient buildings. The dwelling are estimated to date back to the 2^nd and 3^rd Centuries AD.

The study of the Armaztsikhe-Bagineti archeological monument in Mtskheta revealed the dwellings had been built using certain methods: mud brick walls were built on a stone base and covered by a roof of flat tiles. The buildings were also connected with fences.

The experts believed this could have been the place where the Georgian King’s guards stayed.

During their search the archaeologists also discovered glass and ceramics pottery from the same period. In addition, a writing bone stylus was found, which was used for writing on candle boards by ancient Georgians.

"Together with the discoveries of previous years, this year’s exhibits also confirm the development of literacy within the royal court, which in its turn indicates a high level of urban culture,” read the special statement of the Georgian National Museum.

Archaeological excavations of the royal residence started 120 years ago in Mtskheta.

The second wave of excavation works were conducted in the 1940s. At that time a royal palace, Roman bath, a tomb and sarcophagus were discovered, which is the richest material of the 2^nd and 3^rd Centuries AD.

The renewed archaeological works in Bagineti began in 2011 with financial support of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia.

"The Armaztsikhe-Bagineti is one of the most developed archaeological sites of the country. Conservation works have already been implemented on the buildings that have been discovered – The Queen’s bath, pagan church, a colonnaded hall, single-nave church, two-cell construction. Tourist infrastructure has been brought to order,” read the Museum’s statement.

The museum believed the Armaztsikhe-Bagineti area perfectly demonstrated the country’s ancient history for visitors of Mtskheta.

Georgian National Museum general director David Lordkipanidze and head of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia Agency Nikoloz Antidze will visit and examine the Armaztsikhe-Bagineti archaeological monument tomorrow.