Ancient Dzalisi (Region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti)
In terms of its artistic, historical and stylistic significance, Dzalisi (Georg. ძალისი) could be compared with such ancient cities as Pompei or Herculaneum. Now it is only a ruin, although it was once one of the main cities of Iberia (eastern Georgia). According to archaeological research, around the 3rd century BC, on this site, on an area of 70 hectares, there was a city that played an important role in the life of the Iberian kingdom. The first mention of Dzalisi was found in the writings of Claudius Ptolemy.
It is not known for what reasons, but in the IV century AD the city fell into decay. During the excavations, the ruins of four palace complexes were discovered, The streets are paved with rectangular ceramic slabs, a sewer, a water supply made of ceramic pipes, a pipeline network of lead pipes, an acropolis, thermal baths of the 2nd century with heated floors and military barracks. There are foundations of ancient buildings, fragments of mosaics and ceramics, which will be of interest to lovers of history, archeology and antiquity in general.
An interesting mosaic was discovered in one of the buildings in Dzalisi, which dates back to around the 2nd century AD. It depicts a feast led by Ariadne and Dionysus. Images of gods and other characters of ancient Greek mythology can be found in many of Dzalisi’s mosaics. There are even the ruins of the temple of Dionysus. Since this god patronized winemaking, feasts, wine vessels, and vines can be seen in many scenes.
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