Excavation in Tbilisi Reveals Ancient Pottery

While working on renovations of a busy city street, workers in Tbilisi, Georgia, made a fascinating discovery — an array of pottery that dates back about 1,000 years. This find emerged during ongoing excavations along Rustaveli Avenue, which is a major roadway in the Georgian capital.

The archaeological treasures were located approximately 20 feet below the surface. Photos show experts meticulously examining the beautifully crafted pottery fragments, alongside ancient jugs and shards from various eras.

This roadwork is part of a broader effort to improve Rustaveli Avenue, which includes adding new pedestrian crossings and enhancing signage, as reported by various sources.

According to David Lordkipanidze, the director of the Georgian National Museum, this discovery isn’t too surprising, considering Tbilisi’s rich history. He explained, “Tbilisi is very rich with archaeological material … so it’s very logical to find workshops of different periods.” His insights also noted the city’s long-standing role as a cultural and commercial crossroads.

Historically, Tbilisi functioned as a significant hub, especially during the era when it was under Arab rule in the 10th and 11th centuries, serving as a key location along the Silk Road. Further examinations, including 3D scanning, will be conducted to refine the dating of the artifacts more accurately.

The region of Georgia, nestled between Europe and Asia, has seen various ruling powers over the centuries, such as the Mongols, Persians, and Russians. This latest discovery adds to a growing list of finds where routine construction and renovation work has unexpectedly unveiled ancient sites worldwide.

As an example, construction crews in Italy recently stumbled upon the remains of a fifth-century B.C. sanctuary during highway construction, which led to an archaeological inquiry. Similarly, in Peru, utility workers digging for a gas network last summer uncovered two pre-Incan tombs from the Chancay culture.