Ancient Pottery Discovered During Renovation in Tbilisi

Unexpected Discovery Beneath Tbilisi’s Streets

While renovating a bustling city boulevard, workers in Tbilisi, Georgia, uncovered a cache of pottery dating back approximately 1,000 years. The discovery occurred during excavations beneath Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare.

Archaeologists have found intricately decorated pottery fragments, jugs, and shards beneath the avenue, which is undergoing improvements such as pedestrian upgrades and new signage.

Historical Context of Tbilisi

David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgian National Museum, shared insights with Reuters about the find. He remarked on Tbilisi’s wealth of archaeological materials, making such discoveries logical as the city has been a significant cultural and economic center.

Tbilisi, established in the fourth century, has been a crossroads for commerce and culture over the centuries. The pottery is believed to date between the 10th and 11th centuries during Arab rule when Tbilisi was a key stop along the Silk Road.

Further Research and Broader Implications

Researchers plan to conduct additional studies, including 3D scanning, to accurately date the artifacts. The capital’s rich history includes control by various powers such as Mongols, Persians, and Russians, aside from Arab influence during the Middle Ages.

The discovery in Tbilisi mirrors similar archaeological findings worldwide. In Italy, highway construction led to the uncovering of an ancient sanctuary from the fifth century B.C. Meanwhile, in Peru, workers found pre-Incan tombs of the Chancay culture dating from roughly 1000 to 1470 A.D. These instances highlight the potential for uncovering historical treasures during routine construction activities.