Nestled in the rugged terrain of Caucasus MountainsA gigantic prehistoric citadel has emerged as one of the most enigmatic citadels archaeological discoveries of recent years. It is known as Dmanisis Gorathis large fortified settlement dates back to ca 3,000 years and sealed off all other known forts in the area. However, despite its large size, the site has left researchers wondering about its purpose and the people who owned it.
Dmanisis Gora is part of a network of fortified settlements that appeared in South Caucasus between the second and first millennium BC. Originally excavated in 2018, the site revealed a surprising change in 2019 when archaeologists discovered a second set of the walls of the castleexpanding the settlement at an unprecedented rate. The discovery has sparked heated debate about the fort’s function, its inhabitants, and its role in the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Using the edge drone technologyresearchers have put together a comprehensive picture of this Bronze age wonderful But as the size of Dmanisis Gora becomes clearer, so too; make inquiries surrounding its existence. Why was such a big castle built? Who lived there—or didn’t they? And what does this discovery tell us about the ancient world?
A Fortress of Unparalleled Balance
The sheer size of Dmanisis Gora is amazing. What began as a routine excavation in 2018 quickly turned into a major discovery when archaeologists returned the following year to uncover a second set of fortress walls. These walls extended the settlement far beyond its original boundaries, creating a fortress that was 40 times larger than previously thought.
To use drone photographyresearchers captured 11,000 aerial photographs of the site, which were stitched together to create a detailed map. The results revealed many settlements defended by an outer wall of a fortress 1 km (0.6 mi) long. According to Dr. Nathaniel Erb-Satullo, one of the authors of the study, “These data sets allowed us to identify subtle topographical features and create accurate maps of all the fortress walls, tombs, field systems, and other stone structures within the outlying settlement. “
The inner and outer walls were built in the same style, using rough stones collected without mortar in walls about 2 meters (6.6 ft) thick. This mutual dependence suggests that the two fortresses functioned as one defense systemwithout an impenetrable wall alone.
A Solution Without Frames
One of the puzzling aspects of Dmanisis Gora is the near absence of archaeological remains in a foreign residence. This lack of evidence has led researchers to question whether the site was once inhabited or whether it was abandoned shortly after construction. Both situations are puzzling, given the enormous effort required to build such massive forts.
The authors of the study speculate that the fort may have served a the purpose of the seasonpreferably as a fairground breeders during spring and autumn. This hypothesis may explain the strategic importance of the site despite its lack of permanent inhabitants. “If the occupation of the inner fortress and the outer settlement were modern, as we suggest, this settlement would be one of the largest known sites in the South Caucasus of the Bronze and Iron Age,” the researchers noted.
Unlocking the Secrets of Dmanisis Gora
Although the discovery of Dmanisis Gora has raised more questions than answers, it also provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. The fort’s sheer size and high-quality construction suggest that it played a significant role in the history of the area, even if its exact purpose remains unclear.
Dr. Erb-Satullo stresses that more research is needed to unravel the mysteries of Dmanisis Gora. “Further research will begin to provide insight into areas such as crowdinglivestock movements, and agricultural practicesamong others,” he said. As archaeologists continue to explore these Bronze Age wonders, the story of Dmanisis Gora may yet reveal a new chapter in the history of the Caucasus and its ancient inhabitants.
Today, the fort stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of a long-lost civilization, its secrets waiting to be revealed beneath the rugged mountains of Georgia.
The research has been published in the journal Antiquity.
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