Ancient Pottery Cache Uncovered During Street Renovation in Tbilisi

Workers renovating Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Tbilisi, Georgia, have unearthed a cache of pottery estimated to be around 1,000 years old. The discovery was made approximately 20 feet beneath the bustling city street.

The artifacts, including intricately decorated pottery fragments, jugs, and shards, are believed to date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. This period aligns with when Tbilisi served as a significant cultural and economic hub, particularly as a stop along the historic Silk Road.

David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgian National Museum, noted that such finds are not entirely unexpected given Tbilisi's rich archaeological history. He highlighted the city's long-standing role as a crossroads for various cultures and commerce, stating that it has always been a multicultural center and a key economic hub for the region.

The roadwork on Rustaveli Avenue is part of a larger project aimed at upgrading the boulevard with new pedestrian crossings and improved signage. Further studies, including 3D scanning, are planned to help researchers more precisely determine the exact age and origin of the unearthed artifacts.

Tbilisi, founded in the fourth century, has a complex history, having been under the influence of various powers, including Arabs, Mongols, and Persians, throughout the Middle Ages.

This discovery is one of several recent instances worldwide where construction or infrastructure projects have led to the unearthing of ancient sites and artifacts.