Excursion to archeological excavations with Giogri Bidzinashvili

What awaits us on the trip:

• Gadachrili Mountain in Marneuli. This place is considered the “zero point” of world winemaking. Here archaeologists discovered Neolithic qvevri, in which remains of tartaric acid were preserved. Chemical analysis confirmed that wine was made here 8,000 years ago.
• Kveshi fortress. A medieval fortress built on a high, inaccessible cliff. It was of strategic importance for the defense of Georgia's southern borders. The fortress was built back in the 6th century. During the time of Queen Tamara, the residence of the Dadiani princes was here, and in the 16th century, King David of Kartli, a rare Muslim from the royal Bagration dynasty, chose it as his place of residence.

What awaits us on the trip:

• Dmanisi. It was here that the remains of the “first Europeans” - Zezva and Mzia - were found. They are about 1.8 million years old - the oldest hominid remains found outside of Africa. The ruins of the medieval city, fortress walls and the temple of Dmanisi Zion (7th century) are also preserved here.
• Orozmani. This is the site of the newest excavations, where in 2022 a tooth of an ancient man was found - the same age as Zezva and Mzia. This find confirms that ancient people lived throughout the region. And excavations are still ongoing here - don’t miss the unique chance to see them.