Uplistsikhe

Introduction: Stratigraphic and Chronological Context

Uplistsikhe is one of the most outstanding monuments of cave architecture not only in the Caucasus region, but also in the entire archaeological heritage of the Eurasian continent. Situated on the left bank of the Kura (Mtkvari) River, 90 kilometers from modern Tbilisi, this unique complex is a multi-layered archaeological site, the chronology of which covers the period from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages.

Etymological analysis of the toponym "Uplistsikhe" (უფლისციხე) reveals its ancient Georgian origin, where "Uplis" means "Lord" or "Master", and "Tsikhe" means "fortress". Thus, the literal translation is "Lord's Fortress", which already indicates the sacred status of this place in the system of axiological ideas of ancient Iberia.

Chronological stratification

Archaeostratigraphic studies conducted during systematic expeditions in the 1950s, 1970s and 2000s allow us to identify the following main periods in the development of Uplistsikhe:

1. Early period (8th-3rd centuries BC): Formation of the primary cult complex. The material culture of this period is represented by fragments of ceramics of the Colchis-Koban type, bronze artifacts and remains of the first architectural modifications of the rock massif.

2. Hellenistic period (2nd century BC - 1st century AD): Significant expansion of the complex, the appearance of elements of Hellenistic influence in architecture and decoration. The dating is confirmed by numismatic material, including coins of Parthian and Roman origin.

3. Late antique period (1st-4th centuries AD): The peak of Uplistsikhe as a political and religious center of ancient Iberia. During this period, the most monumental cave structures were created, including the "Great Hall", the "Temple with Columns" and a complex of residential premises.

4. Early Christian period (4th-7th centuries): Transformation of the pagan complex into a Christian center. Archaeological evidence indicates the reconstruction of pagan sanctuaries into Christian churches, which is confirmed by fragments of frescoes with early Christian symbolism.

5. Medieval period (8th-13th centuries): Gradual decline in the importance of Uplistsikhe due to the transfer of the political center to Tbilisi. Archaeological data from this period are represented by coins of the Arab Caliphate, Seljuk-type ceramics and fragments of Christian architecture.

6. Decline period (13th-18th centuries): After the Mongol invasion, Uplistsikhe experiences a long period of degradation, which is confirmed by stratigraphic breaks and the paucity of archaeological material from this period.

Architectural planning structure

Uplistsikhe is a complex anthropogenically modified rock massif with an area of ​​about 8 hectares, including more than 150 cave structures of various functional purposes. Spatial analysis of the complex allows us to identify three main structural components:

1. Central part (acropolis): Includes monumental structures of sacred and administrative nature, such as the "Great Hall" (presumably the main pagan sanctuary), the "Hall of Queen Tamara" (conditional name, archaeologically dated to an earlier period) and the "Temple Complex".

2. Eastern area: Mainly residential area with numerous cave rooms connected by a system of corridors and passages. Archaeological research has revealed the presence of a complex water supply and drainage system, including cisterns for collecting rainwater and channels for draining wastewater.

3. Western area: Complex of economic and industrial buildings, including wine presses (marani), granaries and workshops. Of particular interest are the remains of a winemaking complex with qvevri (traditional Georgian clay vessels for fermenting and storing wine) found here.

Engineering solutions and infrastructure

Particular attention should be paid to the engineering and technical aspects of the creation of Uplistsikhe, which testify to the high level of technological development in Ancient Iberia:

1. Hydraulic structures: A complex water supply system, including a 44-meter-long tunnel cut into the rock to access the Kura River, cisterns for collecting rainwater with a capacity of up to 50 cubic meters, and canals for distributing water throughout the complex.

2. Ventilation system: A network of ventilation shafts providing air circulation in the deep cave chambers. Experimental studies have shown that this system ensured the maintenance of a relatively stable temperature of 18-22°C in living quarters regardless of the season.

3. Defensive structures: The complex included fortification elements such as observation posts, narrow passages-traps and secret evacuation routes, confirming its significance as a fortified settlement.

Religious and cult aspect

Archaeological data allow us to reconstruct the evolution of religious ideas and practices associated with Uplistsikhe:

1. Pagan period: The numerous altars and ritual sites discovered indicate active cult activity. Analysis of osteological material from the cultural layers confirms the practice of sacrifice, mainly of small cattle. Of particular interest are the solar symbols carved on the walls of some rooms, which indicate the spread of the solar cult.

2. Christianization period: The transformation of pagan sanctuaries into Christian churches is a unique example of religious syncretism. The basilica built in the 10th century on top of the rock massif is the most obvious evidence of the Christianization of the complex.

Anthropological and ethnocultural aspects

Paleoanthropological analysis of the remains found in burials in the Uplistsikhe area allows us to draw conclusions about the physical type, diet and pathologies of the population. Osteometric data indicate the predominance of the Caucasian anthropological type with elements of Near Eastern influence.

Isotope analysis of bone remains indicates a predominantly agricultural diet with a high content of plant foods and moderate consumption of animal proteins, which corresponds to the traditional Georgian diet.

Conclusion and research prospects

Uplistsikhe is a unique archaeological monument reflecting the centuries-old history of the development of the material and spiritual culture of Eastern Georgia. Modern research methods, including geophysical scanning, 3D modeling and molecular genetic analysis, open up new perspectives for understanding this phenomenon of cave architecture.

Ongoing research is aimed at a detailed reconstruction of the paleoclimatic conditions of the region, clarification of the absolute chronology of the complex using radiocarbon and thermoluminescent dating methods, as well as a comprehensive analysis of the archaeological material using the methods of natural sciences.

Uplistsikhe, this unique witness of a thousand-year history, continues to keep many secrets, the disclosure of which is the task of interdisciplinary research in the future.

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