Ancient Pottery Discovered During Renovation Work in Tbilisi

Renovation work on Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare has led to the discovery of ancient pottery, with artifacts estimated to be around 1,000 years old.

The find occurred approximately 20 feet beneath Rustaveli Avenue, the bustling capital city’s primary street, as crews undertook upgrades to the area, including new pedestrian crossings and improved signage.

Archaeologists are examining the unearthed items, which include intricately decorated pottery fragments and centuries-old jugs. The artifacts are believed to date back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

During this period, Tbilisi was a significant stop along the Silk Road trade route and was under Arab rule. The city’s historical role as a multicultural hub and economic center has contributed to its rich archaeological landscape.

David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgian National Museum, noted that such discoveries are not uncommon in Tbilisi due to its extensive history. He stated that the city has historically been a crossroads for various cultures and commerce, making it logical to find remnants of different historical periods.

Further studies, including 3D scanning, are planned to more precisely determine the age of the discovered artifacts.

Georgia, situated in the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia, has a long history marked by periods of rule by various powers, including Mongols, Persians, Russians, and Arabs. The city of Tbilisi itself was founded in the fourth century.

This discovery follows similar finds in other parts of the world where construction projects have uncovered historical sites. Recent examples include the unearthing of an ancient sanctuary in Italy and pre-Incan tombs in Peru.