MIDDLE BRONZE AGE BURIAL GROUNDS FROM KVEMO NIKOZI

  • GIORGI MINDIASHVILI Doctor of History, Invited archaeologist of Gori State University, Research associate of the Acad. Ot. Lortkipanidze Institute of Archaeological Studies of National Museum of Georgia, #53, Chavchavadze st., 1400, Gori, Georgia, http://orcid.org/0009-0003-5153-8396
  • GIORGI SOSIASHVILI Doctor of History, Professor of Gori State University, #53, Chavchavadze st., 1400, Gori, Georgia, http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2406-8662

Abstract

The tombs we excavated at Kvemo Nikozi, dating to the end of the Middle Bronze Age (18th-17th centuries BC), provide clear evidence of the significant social and economic differentiation present in the society at that time, indicating a community on the cusp of forming an early state. The deep-rooted process of societal division into distinct classes, long established, appears to be reflected in their beliefs, as seen in the varying sizes of the burial chambers (pits), the differing orientations of the tombs in relation to the cardinal directions, and the burial rituals (N2 - oriented from south to north, and N3 - from west to east). It is important to note, however, that neither tomb contains skeletal remains common to both, which distinguishes them from traditional burial sites with intact corpses. This gives us reason to consider the possible causes behind this distinction within the population that created the Trialeti culture.

 

Key words: Trialeti culture; Grave field; Liakhvi; Kvemo Nikozi; Middle Bronze Age.

Published
2024-12-26
Issue
No XII (2024)
Section
SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES -SECTION OF ARCHAEOLOGY