2,500-year-old settlement discovered in western Georgia

A group of archaeologists have discovered ruins of an ancient settlement in western Georgia’s Samegrelo region.

Local media reported the settlement was believed to date back to the 6th-4th century BC, and the discovery was made in Anaklia, a Black Sea resort area where a major port is currently being built.

Information about the discovery was released by local radio station Atinati, based in Zugdidi, Samegrelo.

Head of the Monument Protection Department of Zugdidi Gamgeoba (local governing body) Lasha Jikia told radio Atinati that experts had discovered two layers of remains in the ancient settlement of Colchis style.

Jikia added the newly discovered cultural monument was large and expanded over about two hectares of land in Anaklia.

What’s been discovered is a 2,500-year-old Colchis town or village which seems to have been tightly linked to the Greek world,” Atinati quoted an archaeologist involved in the discovery.

Colchis was an ancient kingdom and region located on the coast of the Black Sea, centered in present-day western Georgia. It has been described in modern literature as "the earliest Georgian formation" which, along with the Kingdom of Iberia, would later contribute significantly to the development of the medieval Georgian statehood and the Georgian nation.

Internationally Colchis is perhaps best known for its role in Greco-Roman mythology, most notably as the destination of the Argonauts, as well as the home to Medea and the Golden Fleece.

Experts said a further archaeological expedition would begin at the site starting in spring.