SARKINE AS THE HELLENISTIC CITY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE TOPONYM, ITS ETYMOLOGY AND URBAN STRUCTURES
Abstract
Toponyms, or place names, typically possess clear motivations that allow for easy deciphering of their origins and meanings. However, certain toponyms, despite appearing to have established etymologies, can invite alternative interpretations. One such example is 'Sarkine,' a name referring to a location on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, situated 8.5 kilometers west of Mtskheta, nestled between the Savaneti Range and the 'Long Meadow.' Historical sources indicate that 'Sarkine' has been recognized since the middle Ages, described either as a district of Mtskheta or as an independent fortress-city.
The earliest reference to 'Sarkine' can be traced back to Leonti Mroveli, who recounts the arrival of the Bun-Turks, a group of foreign refugees, in Kartli. In his narrative, he mentions how these newcomers settled in a place west of Mtskheta, among the cliffs, fortifying it and designating it as 'Sarkine.' Notably, this account diverges from Mroveli's usual linkage of 'Sarkine' to iron or metal production, highlighting its historical complexity. In other passages, he refers to 'Sarkine' as a district of Mtskheta, indicating its significance as a bustling urban center.
The text "The Conversion of Kartli" reinforces 'Sarkine's' identity as an independent location, associating it with the Tsikhedidi Fortress. Historical accounts also suggest that during Alexander the Great's campaigns, 'Sarkine' was a fortified site of great strategic importance. Vakhushti Bagrationi notes the construction of a strong city by the Turks, reinforcing the notion of 'Sarkine' as a significant urban settlement.
Scholarship on 'Sarkine' has produced various interpretations. Tedo Zhordania posited that Mtskheta encompassed part of 'Sarkine,' while Leon Melikset-Begi theorized that 'Sarkine' and 'Tsikhedidi' referred to the same locale, casting doubt on the existence of an iron mining site there. Otar Lordkipanidze argued that 'Sarkine' was initially an independent city that later evolved into an industrial district of Mtskheta, linking its name to metallurgy and iron production.
Andria Apakidze interpreted 'Sarkine' as an industrial district of Mtskheta, likely possessing fertile agricultural lands. He emphasized its connection to iron processing, citing written sources and archaeological findings that hint at this activity, although direct evidence remains elusive. Notably, the Armenian translation of 'The Life of Kartli' explicitly identifies 'Sarkine' as a place for iron extraction, indicating its long-standing significance in metallurgy.
Interestingly, the etymology of 'Sarkine' has sparked debate, particularly in the context of medieval translations that often emphasized its link to iron production. This interpretative shift appears to have influenced Georgian literature by the 19th century, where 'Sarkine' became synonymous with ironworking, a notion that became widely accepted among researchers.
This raises critical questions about the historical context of 'Sarkine' during the settlement of the Bun-Turks and the potential correlation with the development of iron metallurgy in Kartli. Archaeological evidence of Late Bronze to Early Iron Age settlements and metal workshops in Sarkine suggests that the arrival of the Bun-Turks may have occurred around the 2nd to 1st centuries B.C. Even if the toponym 'Sarkine' is definitively tied to metalworking, Mroveli’s account implies that its origins are intertwined with the settlement of foreign invaders.
Moreover, the possibility of a Latin origin for 'Sarkine' emerges, particularly from the word sarcina, meaning 'bundle' or 'baggage.' This could suggest that 'Sarkine' referred to a location for nomadic settlers, who, as Mroveli noted, were involved in fortifying the site. The influence of the Roman Empire during this period likely shaped the lexicon and cultural exchanges in Kartli.
Support for this etymological perspective is bolstered by the dominant use of Greek in the late Hellenistic period, which coincided with significant archaeological findings of Greek-influenced artistic monuments near Sarkine. This cultural exchange may have contributed to the development of the Georgian interpretation of the toponym.
Additionally, the term 'Saracen,' often associated with Arabs in medieval Georgian literature, raises intriguing possibilities regarding the application of the word 'Sarkine' to nomadic peoples. If 'Saracen' was indeed used to describe heavily laden nomads, this further supports the idea of 'Sarkine' as a place connected to nomadic cultures.
In conclusion, the complex historical, linguistic, and archaeological dimensions surrounding the toponym 'Sarkine' underscore its multifaceted identity. The examination of its etymology reveals a rich tapestry of cultural influences, suggesting that 'Sarkine' was not merely a static location but a dynamic site that reflected the socio-economic interactions of various peoples throughout history. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of the historical geography of the region but also illuminate the broader narratives of cultural exchange and transformation in ancient Georgia.
KEYWORDS:
Sarkine; Iberia; Iron production; Hellenistic-Roman period; Customs terminal; Urban Development; Roman Architecture; City Planning; Civic Structure; Ancient Settlements; Historical Geography; Fortress-Cities.
