Dmanisi Archaeological Site
Kvemo Kartli
The Dmanisi Archaeological Site in Georgia's Kvemo Kartli region is a remarkable open-air museum that encompasses the ruins of a significant medieval town and one of the earliest human settlements outside Africa. Located at the confluence of the Mashavera and Pinezauri rivers, the site includes remnants of fortifications, churches, Muslim and Christian cemeteries, bathhouses, and workshops, reflecting a rich multicultural heritage. Historically, Dmanisi was a prosperous commercial center from the 9th to 14th centuries, under various rulers including Arab, Armenian, Seljuq, and Georgian kingdoms. The site is also internationally renowned for the discovery of 1.8 million-year-old hominin fossils, providing crucial insights into early human migration. Archaeological finds such as coins, imported Iranian faïence, Chinese celadon, and local pottery testify to its vibrant trade and cultural exchanges. Today, visitors can explore the medieval Dmanisi Sioni cathedral and the extensive ruins that tell stories of diverse religious and political influences over centuries.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the spring and autumn months for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance via the official website to avoid waiting times. Guided tours are available and highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical and archaeological significance. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the open-air nature and uneven terrain of the site.
Interesting facts
- •Dmanisi contains some of the oldest hominin fossils found outside Africa, dating back approximately 1.8 million years.
- •More than 800 coins have been discovered at the site, mostly foreign, indicating extensive trade connections.
- •The medieval town had both Muslim and Christian cemeteries, with Arabic inscriptions from the 13th–14th centuries outnumbering Christian tombstones.
- •A copper coinage was minted in Dmanisi under David VI of Georgia in 1245 during Mongol suzerainty.
- •The name 'Dmanisi' derives from the Old Georgian word 'daba', meaning 'hamlet', as explained by an 18th-century Georgian scholar.
History
Dmanisi began as a small episcopal settlement in the early medieval period and grew into a major commercial town by the 9th and 10th centuries under Arab rule.
It experienced fluctuating control among Muslim rulers, Armenian kings, and the Georgian monarchy, notably being conquered by King David IV in the 12th century.
The town flourished under the Kingdom of Georgia, becoming a center for crafts and trade, including silk exports.
Its population was diverse, with significant Muslim and Christian communities.
Under Mongol influence in the 13th century, Dmanisi minted coins and underwent political shifts among Georgian nobility.
The town declined after the 14th century, leading to its eventual ruin.
Place Guide
Dmanisi Sioni CathedralEarly medieval period
An early medieval cathedral located within the site, showcasing Georgian ecclesiastical architecture and serving as a religious center during the town's medieval period.
Medieval Town Ruins9th to 14th centuries
Extensive remains of fortifications, residential buildings, workshops, and bathhouses that illustrate the town's historical role as a commercial hub with diverse cultural influences.
Paleolithic Excavation AreaApproximately 1.8 million years ago
The open-air area where some of the oldest human fossils outside Africa were discovered, providing invaluable insights into early human migration and evolution.
