Traces of ancient residential areas, burial sites and various historic items have been discovered during restoration work on an irrigation system in southern Georgia’s Dmanisi Municipality.
The compounds and graveyards date back to various periods from the Classical Age to the Early Middle Ages. Items found at the sites include glass-made perfume cases of varying colours and shapes, deer sculptures, earrings, Roman silver coins, iron weapons and clay dishes, and are believed to be from 100-400 AD.
Items unearthed at the archaeological sites include earrings and other possessions. Photo by the Ministry of Culture of Georgia.
Georgia’s Culture Ministry said the newly discovered material was testament to the "socially developed” nature of the ancient community of the Dmanisi area, who enjoyed "close ties” to Rome and Syria as well as regions of Georgia.
Two of the cemeteries discovered within the Kanchaant village on Mashavera River embankment are believed to be the burial site for wealthy individuals of the local community.
In the past several crucial discoveries have been made at Dmanisi; discoveries include human fossils dating back 1.8 million years as well as burial sites from 7-8 BC.