Ancient mining production monuments in prehistoric Georgia

(Sakdrisi)

Abstract

The article discusses the ancient mining and metallurgical center located in the prehistoric Georgia. Specifically, it focuses on the polymetallic smelting system located in the Bolnisi region, where the Sakdrisi-Kachaghiani hill, associated with gold mining and processing, was discovered.
Prehistoric mining and metallurgical sites are unique cultural heritage and studying them is essential importance to understanding the history of Georgia. The first scientific works on the Sakdrisi hill began in the 80’s, led by Ot. Lordkipanidze archaeological research center of Georgian National Academy of Sciences and Mining mechanics Institute. This complex expedition included specialists in archaeology, geology and metallurgy. From 2007 to 2013, a Georgian-German archaeological expedition led by Prof. Thomas Stollner and Dr. Irina Gambashidze conducted extensive fieldwork on the mentioned site.
Through complex studies, samples from the walls of the Sakdrisi mine were tested. Mineralogical, chemical, phase and microscopic research revealed that the samples taken from the ore vein contained up to 4 g/t of gold. Based on charcoal layer samples found in the mine, the site dates back to the end of the 4th millennium and 3rd millennium BC.
We believe it is accurate to date the mine to the 3rd millennium BC. The date corresponds to the transitional period of the Early to Middle Bronze Age, when gold artefacts for ritual purposes were already present in the South Caucasus.