Samtavro necropolis, Archaeological burial ground in Mtskheta, Georgia
Samtavro is an archaeological burial ground in Mtskheta that extends across a large area and holds thousands of graves from different periods. Excavations have uncovered artifacts such as bronze tools, jewelry, and pottery that reveal how people in this region lived and buried their dead.
The burial site was first explored by archaeologists in the 1800s and reveals settlement from the Bronze Age through the medieval period. Each layer uncovers different time periods that document the long history of this region.
The burial sites display different grave structures made from stone, sarcophagi, and brick, showing how funeral practices changed throughout ancient Georgia. These variations in construction reflect the different peoples and periods that shaped the region.
The site contains multiple archaeological layers that are still being studied and partially excavated. It is helpful to walk with a guide to understand the different grave types and their significance.
Excavations have found burials from the 4th and 5th centuries that show people here had funeral practices different from Christian customs of that time. These graves offer insight into the diversity of religious and cultural beliefs in the region.
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