A silver coin minted in Constantinople during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565 AD) has been discovered at the Gonio-Apsaros fortress for the first time, the Adjara Cultural Heritage Protection Agency reports.
The coin was found during an ongoing archaeological expedition at the fortress, where researchers are studying Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman-era cultural layers.
The expedition, organized by the Adjara Cultural Heritage Protection Agency, is currently working in three areas of the fortress. Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts from different historical periods, including materials dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, as well as coins minted under Roman emperors Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) and Septimius Severus (193-211 AD).
Researchers are also examining the remains of a large stone structure and a thick layer of tiled roofing discovered near the fortress’s southern gate. A stone artifact dating back to AD 1000 was also found at the site.
The agency highlighted the Justinian I-era silver coin as a significant discovery, saying it is the first artifact of its kind found at Gonio-Apsaros.
The archaeological work will continue for one month. Students from Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and Shota Meskhia Zugdidi State University are participating in the expedition, which is led by Professor Merab Khalvashi.
