2014-2015 Archaeological Report: Tsikhesulori Village, Vani Municipality

Abstract

The city of Surium, mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Claudius Ptolemy among the ancient cities of Colchis, is localized in the village of Tsikhesoluri, where some archeological excavations have been carried out by the Ilia State University staff and students during the last two seasons. The excavations were resumed in 2014 and continued in 2015 as well. In 2014, a small area was excavated and the directions of the defensive buildings in the south of the city were established. At the same time, a looted tomb was discovered where some ceramic materials, including a Chersonesian amphora, were found. Several accidental discoveries were made by the villagers (including bronze bracelets dating from the 1st century BC, Roman plinths, etc.). A number of medieval pitchers were also unearthed.