Construction workers on a busy city boulevard have uncovered a piece of ancient history—a collection of pottery estimated to be around 1,000 years old. The discovery took place during excavation work on Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, located in the Caucasus region.
Findings Beneath Rustaveli Avenue
The artifacts, found approximately 20 feet below the surface, include intricately decorated pottery fragments, jugs, and various shards. Photographs show archaeologists closely examining these historical pieces.
This roadwork is part of an ongoing project to upgrade Rustaveli Avenue with new pedestrian crossings, enhanced signage, and other improvements. According to Reuters, the discovery was significant yet not entirely surprising.
“Tbilisi is very rich with archaeological material … so it’s very logical to find workshops of different periods,” said David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgian National Museum.
Tbilisi’s Historical Significance
Lordkipanidze emphasized Tbilisi’s historical role as a cultural and commercial hub. The city has long served as a center for various cultures, particularly during the 10th and 11th centuries under Arab rule, when it was an important stop along the Silk Road.
Researchers are conducting additional studies, including 3D scanning, to accurately date the artifacts. Tbilisi, founded in the fourth century, has experienced control from multiple powers, including Mongols, Persians, Russians, and Arabs during the Middle Ages.
International Historical Discoveries
The discovery in Tbilisi parallels other surprising archaeological finds during routine construction. For example, in Italy, construction teams uncovered remains of an ancient sanctuary from the fifth century B.C. during highway work, leading to further investigation. Last summer in Peru, utility workers found pre-Incan tombs from the Chancay culture while digging for gas network trenches.
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