Samtskhe-Javakheti Archaeological Survey and Excavation Project

under construction

A joint Georgian-Italian archaeological initiative called the Samtskhe-Javakheti Project has been conducting an eight-year survey and targeted excavations in the Javakheti Plateau of southern Georgia. The project documented 168 archaeological sites including settlements, fortifications, and burial grounds, revealing ancient Cyclopean structures and complex ritual traditions dating back to 3500 BC. The research used satellite imagery, GPS mapping, and geographic information systems to study the high plateau and uncover occupation layers spanning from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age and medieval period.