Archaeologists Uncover 3,000-Year-Old Fortress in Caucasus Mountains

GEGeorgia|

Researchers from Cranfield University have made a remarkable discovery in the South Caucasus Mountains, unveiling the remnants of a large fortress dating back to the Late Bronze Age. Utilizing drone technology to analyze the site, the team discovered that the fortress, known as Dmanisis Gora, is significantly larger than previously estimated, boasting fortified walls over half a mile long.

In 2018, archaeologists initially found visible ruins of an inner and outer fortress wall at the site. However, mapping the entire structure proved challenging on foot. The introduction of drone imagery allowed researchers to compile 11,000 high-resolution images, which were then digitally stitched to create a detailed map of the area.

The new findings reveal that the fortress, which had been overlooked due to its expansive scale, features a complex layout with numerous stone structures and burial sites. The two fortified walls were constructed with rough boulders and mortar, measuring six feet thick, suggesting a sophisticated defense system.

Comparing the drone images with archived satellite photos from the Cold War era, researchers were able to analyze changes in the settlement over time. The discovery of tens of thousands of artifacts, including pottery and animal bones, offers insight into the lives of the people who inhabited Dmanisis Gora.

The researchers believe that understanding this site will provide critical information regarding settlement structures and population dynamics during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Further excavations and analysis are planned to explore various aspects of the settlement's history.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Georgia

Russia Resumes Flights to Breakaway Georgian Region of Abkhazia After 30 Years

Russia has announced the resumption of passenger flights to Sukhumi, the capital of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia, marking the first such service in three decades. According to Russian state media, a test flight from Moscow to Sukhumi took place on February 7, 2025, with regular flights expected to commence in May. This region has been a favored vacation destination for Russians since Soviet times and boasts a newly restored airport that had been closed during the 1990s conflict. Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in 2008 after a brief war with Georgia. Despite this recognition, most nations still regard Abkhazia as part of Georgian territory. The test flight was operated by the private airline UVT Aero, and the Georgian government has yet to comment on the matter. The decision to resume flights reflects the deepening ties between Russia and the region amidst Georgia's increasingly strained relationships with the West.
GEGeorgia

Women Rescued from Human-Egg Harvesting Operation in Georgia

A shocking human trafficking case has emerged in Georgia, where approximately 100 women were reportedly enslaved for illegal egg harvesting by Chinese gangsters. The situation came to light after three Thai women were freed by a Thailand-based NGO, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Pavena Hongsakula, founder of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, stated that the victims were lured by deceptive job advertisements on social media, promising lucrative salaries ranging from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 Thai Baht ($28,000 to $42,000) for surrogacy work. Once in Georgia, the women were confined to properties and coerced into undergoing hormonal treatments to stimulate egg production for monthly extractions. One survivor described the harrowing process, which involved anesthetization and machine-assisted egg collection. According to estimates, the harvested eggs are likely trafficked for in-vitro fertilization purposes in other countries. Social media users have since called for stricter international regulations on the reproductive industry. Thai authorities, as reported by Reuters, are conducting further investigations into the matter.
GEGeorgia

Hunger-Striking Journalist Becomes Symbol of Resistance in Georgia's Protests

Mzia Amaglobeli, a 49-year-old journalist, has been on a hunger strike for 25 days in a Georgian jail, drawing attention to her case and the broader issues surrounding press freedom in the country. Since her detention following a slap to the Batumi police chief during protests against the government, her health has severely declined, prompting hospitalization for treatment, according to her family. The protests, which started in November, are fueled by widespread accusations that the government of Georgia is rigging elections and distancing the country from its European Union aspirations. Although Georgian authorities claim Amaglobeli's pre-trial detention is justified due to her assault charge, fourteen foreign embassies have called for her immediate release, highlighting a worrying trend of intimidation against journalists in Georgia. Amaglobeli, known for her work with the independent news websites Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has become a rallying figure for protesters. According to the EU's human rights commissioner, her detention is seen as politically motivated. As Amaglobeli faces a potential sentence of four to seven years, her next court appearance is scheduled for March 4.
GEGeorgia
All Georgia News ->