Vani - a talk by
Darejan
Kacharava
at The National Roman Legionary Museum, Caerleon Thursday, 9 November 2006.
Vani is a town with a population of less than 5,000, approximately 25
miles southwest from Kutaisi, Newport’s twin city in the Republic
of Georgia.
Archaeological excavations carried out in Vani since 1947 have revealed
the remains of a rich city. The name of this ancient settlement is still
unknown but four distinct stages of uninterrupted occupation have been
identified dating from the 8th – 1st centuries B.C. showing evidence
of the city’s development from a cultic centre to a major political-administrative
unit of the powerful kingdom of Colchis (the legendary destination of
Jason and the Argonauts and home of Medea and the Golden Fleece). Excavations
have uncovered wooden and stone structures (temples, altars, sacrificial
platforms and sanctuaries) and rich burials containing astoundingly beautiful
jewellery and personal artefacts. It is assumed that the city was destroyed
in the mid-1st century B.C.
The illustrated talk will be given by Darejan Kacharava, Vice-Director
of the Georgian Institute of Archaeology and the Director of the Vani
Archaeology Expedition.
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Statue of Goddess Nike found at Vani
This important event was organised by the Newport-Kutaisi Association.
go
to Colchis/Vani website
go to Vani at
Wikipedia
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