A major archaeological expedition has began in Rustavi with the aim of studying the remains of a palace dating back to the 9th–12th centuries, recently discovered on the grounds of the city’s historic fortress. The project is supported by Georgia’s Ministry of Culture and the Rustavi Municipality, and is set to become the biggest archaeological initiative in the city’s history.
The area surrounding Rustavi Fortress is known to be one of the oldest inhabited sites in the region, with traces dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. Historical records mention Rustavi as an urban settlement as early as the 4th century BCE, alongside other ancient cities such as Mtskheta, Uplistsikhe and Urbnisi.
An official ceremony was held in Rustavi, attended by Tea Oniani, Director General of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, and her deputy, Paata Gaprindashvili.
Rustavi Mayor Nino Latsabidze presented the project alongside Members of Parliament Irakli Shatakishvili and Aleksandre Dalakishvili. In her remarks, Latsabidze emphasized the expedition’s historical importance and how it can potentially help the city’s cultural narrative.
It was also emphasized that the project prioritized involving young people in cultural heritage efforts, with speakers mentioning the need to encourage youth engagement in archaeology.
