New Data of the Interdisciplinary Study of the Unique Archaeological Monument “Tsikhiagora“
New Data of the Interdisciplinary Study of the Unique Archaeological Monument “Tsikhiagora“

Summary/Abstract: “Tsikhiagora” is one of the significant archaeological monuments of East Georgia. It is located in Kaspi municipality, northwards from a village Kavtiskhevi. Multi-horizon monuments of Tsikhiagora reflects three millennia development of the culture, starting from Early Bronze and inclusive Antique era. The upper, first layer of Tsikhiagora, with 8 construction horizons, is attributed to Hellenistic epoch, is dated by 3rd -2 nd cc B.C. This layer is presented by unique cathedral complex. There is no such good condition and comprehensively studied monument in Eastern Georgia. The 2nd layer, of Achaemenid period is attributed to the 5th -4 th c. B.C. It is presented in the form of remnants of cult constructions. The 3rd layer, of Late Bronze - Early Iron period is presented by 2 construction horizons, is attributed to the second half of the 2nd millennium B.C – first half of the 1st millennium. It is a former settlement. The 4th layer, of Middle Bronze period, is attributed to the first half of the 2nd millennium and is presented by small size kurgan type tombs. The 5 th layer of Tsikhiagora archaeological monument of the Early Bronze period is attributed to the 3 rd millennium BC and is presented by 5 construction horizons. 3 lower construction horizons are Kura–Araxes archaeological culture former residences. The upper 2 horizons unite complexes which followed early Kurgan and Bedeni cultures. This is a very rare case and is very important with the view of a problem of transition from Early Bronze to Middle Bronze epoch. Artifact remnants fixed in this layer include hand-made ceramic, anthropomorphic and zoomorphic statues, metal, stone and bone tools. The paper deals with the new X-ray Fluorescence study results of metal artifacts and with the new radiocarbon dates of Tsikhiagora settlement. Stratigraphic data from the Tsikhiagora settlement and new data allow us to assume the initial period of this cultural transformation in the first half of the 3 rd millennium BC, which is important in the study of synchronization with other cultures and the genesis of the Bedeni culture.

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