During recent archaeological excavations in the village of Doghurashi, Tsageri Municipality, specialists from the Georgian National Museum alongside international researchers have unearthed unique Bronze Age artefacts.

According to the Ministry of Culture of Georgia, the metal smelting complex, dated by the University of Oxford’s laboratory to between the XIII and IX centuries BC, is the largest of its kind ever discovered within the historic region of Colchis, offering a comprehensive look into the complex process of ancient metallurgy.

“This discovery further confirms that during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, Lechkhumi stood as one of the most vital metallurgical centres of mountainous Colchis, playing a leading role in Caucasian copper production.

The expedition in the village of Doghurashi is supported by the Georgian Ministry of Culture, organised by the Georgian National Museum, and led by Dr Nana Rezesidze.

Dr Nino Sulava heads the research into these ancient copper workshops. Alongside Georgian specialists, researchers from the United Kingdom, Israel, and Italy participated in the excavations.

The newly revealed Bronze Age artefacts were inspected on-site by David Lordkipanidze, Director General of the Georgian National Museum, Papuna Margvelidze, the State Representative for the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, alongside executive and local government officials and guests”, - says the Ministry.