Bronze and Iron Age Settlement Discovery in Georgia Rewrites Ancient History

A new study published in the journal Antiquity announced the discovery of a massive, previously unknown settlement in Georgia. The find, which is spread across 168 separate sites containing settlements, fortresses, and graveyards, has significantly rewritten what historians know about the Bronze and Iron Ages.

'Monumental' Structures Found Within Complex

The discovery was made by the Samtskhe-Javakheti Archaeological Project during an excavation of the Javakheti Plateau, an extremely high peak with elevations of 5,000 feet to nearly 11,000 feet. Within the settlement were "monumental" cyclopean fortresses which were built from large, unworked basalt blocks without mortar or concrete. These structures, which encompass the previously discovered Abuli and Shaori complexes, were used as defensive outposts as well as permanent citadels. A few of the settlements appear to have been established as refuges which were used by mobile pastoralist groups during seasonal migration.

The Abulis Gora and Saro-1 sites bear evidence of "continuous movement" throughout the Bronze Age. This is confirmed by the presence of necropolises found at the nearby Bertakana and Lake Tabatskuri sites, which further illustrate the funereal traditions of the time. The presence of "thick ash" at the sites points to repeated burnings, possibly the result of raids and battles.

Archaeolgists Believe Site Was Tomb for Sophisticated Women

Archaeologists found a number of artifacts scattered about the sites, the most interesting of which was a decorated bronze solar disk which was recovered during the preliminary surveys at Baraleti Natsargora. The disk is constructed from concentric bands of knobs, angular motifs, and regularly spaced perforations, which illustrated a region-specific type of metallurgy which was linked to the solar system and funerary practices. Similar examples discovered elsewhere in the country are associated with high-status women, indicating that these sophisticated burial traditions were in practice throughout the highland communities.

Further excavations at the Meghreki Fortress, which rests further east on the same plateau, indicate that the site was in continuous use from the Early Bronze Age Kura-Araxes culture through the Iron Age and into the medieval period. There were also two housing structures which historians have dated to the Late Iron Age/Achaemenid period, roughly the fourth through sixth centuries A.D. Inside these buildings were pieces of clay artwork with plaques bearing incised and painted geometric motifs in red, white, and dark blue. Because this sort of design is fairly rare in the region, researchers believe that these pieces were used as spaces for high-status people.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 4:06 PM.