Roadwork in Tbilisi Unearths 1,000-Year-Old Silk Road Pottery Cache

Key points

• Construction workers renovating Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, Georgia, uncovered a cache of ancient pottery approximately 20 feet below the surface.
• The artifacts, which include intricately decorated fragments and jugs, are believed to date from the 10th to 11th centuries.
• David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgian National Museum, stated that such discoveries are logical given Tbilisi's rich archaeological history and its role as a multicultural economic center.
• The discovery occurred during a larger project to upgrade the avenue with new pedestrian crossings and improved signage.
• Researchers are using 3D scanning and additional studies to precisely determine the age and origin of the artifacts.

Background

This discovery follows a pattern of accidental archaeological finds during routine construction, such as the 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon bones found in a UK backyard in 2019 and an ancient sanctuary in Italy. Tbilisi, founded in the fourth century, has been under various powers including Arabs, Mongols, and Persians, making it a significant stop on the Silk Road.

Why it matters

The find highlights the rich historical layers beneath modern cities and underscores the importance of archaeological oversight during infrastructure projects. It provides tangible evidence of Tbilisi's role as a major economic and cultural hub during the medieval period, connecting it to the broader Silk Road network.

What to watch

Researchers will conduct further analysis, including 3D scanning, to precisely date the artifacts and determine their origin. The Georgian National Museum will likely oversee the preservation and potential display of the items.