Archaeologists have uncovered a vast Bronze Age fortress in the Caucasus Mountains, challenging long-held assumptions about the region’s ancient history. This massive structure, known as Dmanisis Gora, is now believed to be 40 times larger than initially estimated. Despite its immense size, the fortress offers few clues about its occupants or purpose, leaving experts intrigued by its mysterious past.
A Discovery Beyond Expectations
Dated to approximately 3,000 years ago, Dmanisis Gora is one of several fortress settlements built in the South Caucasus between the second and first millennia BCE. Early excavations in 2018 hinted at the site’s significance, but it wasn’t until 2019, when archaeologists uncovered a second set of fortification walls, that the true scale of the settlement became apparent.
Using drone technology, researchers captured 11,000 aerial images of the site, which were then compiled into a comprehensive map. These efforts revealed a sprawling outer settlement protected by a 1-kilometer-long defensive wall. “The results of this survey showed that the site was more than 40 times larger than originally thought,” explained Dr. Nathaniel Erb-Satullo, lead author of the study.
The dual-layer fortifications suggest that the inner and outer walls were designed as a unified defensive system, with neither wall being fully effective without the other. Both structures were built using rough boulders and lacked mortar, resulting in walls around 2 meters (6.6 feet) thick.
A Puzzle of Purpose
While the fortress’s architecture is impressive, the lack of significant artifacts in the outer settlement raises questions. Was this vast structure abandoned soon after its construction, or did it serve a seasonal purpose? Researchers propose that Dmanisis Gora may have been a temporary hub for pastoralists, who used it during spring and autumn migrations.
“If the occupation of the inner fortress and outer settlement were roughly contemporary, as we suggest, this settlement would be one of the largest known in the South Caucasus Late Bronze and Iron Age,” the study authors wrote.
The seasonal-use theory might explain why such a formidable structure was built despite a small permanent population. However, much remains to be uncovered about the site’s function and its role in the ancient world.
According to Dr. Erb-Satullo, ongoing research aims to shed light on key aspects of the site, including population density, livestock movement, and agricultural practices. These insights could help piece together the puzzle of Dmanisis Gora and its significance in the broader context of Bronze Age and Iron Age history.
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