Exploratory field research expedition in Aspindza municipality (Tmogvi, Achkhia-Mirashkhani, Saro-khizabavra)

Abstract

The work is presented through Samtskhe-Javakheti State University’s science project – Field research expedition in October of 2018. Expedition group consisted of university professors and students of archeology. Archeological field research was done in Aspinda municipality (villages Tmogvi, Achkhia, Mirashkhani, Saro, Khizabavra).
The archeological material which was retrieved during the survey of above mentioned locations have been identified:
On Ackhia valley, ceramic material retrieved from around Kurgans is identical to the ones discovered by Meskheti-Javakheti expeditions and thus are dated fromthe end of XVI BC to the first half of XV BC.
Materials retrieved from Achkhia village remains are dated late middle ages.
Stone box slabs found in village Saro, within the territories of UshangiIvanidze are identified as a burial from the Hellenistic age.
Burial items given to us by UshangiIvanidze from the village Saro are dated IV-III BC due to the necklace and burial jar.
On the norther side of Khizabavra, large Kurgans were identified, as well as, remains of a church. On the eastern side of Khizabavra, close to the remains of a church where arch of a hall church is visible, ceramic material was retrieved and dated late middle ages.
Archeological material was retrieved close to Saint Marinachurch of Tmogvi, mostly clay pottery from the late middle ages.