Pompey’s Bridge (Region of Mtskheta – Mtianeti)
Pompey’s Bridge or Mogvi Bridge (Georgian: პომპეუსის (მოგვთა) ხიდი ) — Mtskheta Bridge, known as Pompey’s Bridge, is a witness to great historical events – Roman legions, Byzantine and Arab military units passed through it. It survived the invasions of the Mongols, Ottomans and Persians. According to one version, the bridge, which has existed since the Hellenistic era, was built by Pompey the Great, an ancient Roman statesman and commander, in 65 BC. Information about the Mtskheta Bridge can be found in the works of ancient Greek authors of the 2nd-3rd centuries AD in connection with the description of Pompey’s campaign. According to scientists, the bridge existed before Pompey, from the 4th-3rd centuries BC, when trade became international. The ancient bridge was built on stone abutments with a wooden span structure, which was easily dismantled or burned if necessary to block the enemy’s path.
Today, the original dimensions of the bridge can only be estimated from old engravings and drawings, but the remains of this structure look impressive. The bridge was restored and expanded in the 4th century, under King Vakhtang Gorgasali (Georgian: ვახტან გორგასალი). The builders improved the flood control system and widened the entrance to the bridge. Towers of defensive significance were built on both sides of the bridge. They housed guards and a customs post. For centuries, the bridge was part of a trade and transport highway. The bridge was used until the mid-20th century, and only after the construction of a hydroelectric power station and the rise in the river level did it end up under water. The bridge appears only when the river level drops to a minimum. The periodic appearance of the bridge, flooded a hundred years ago, still leaves no one indifferent. Neither time nor the powerful waves of Kura (Georgian: მტკვარი) could wash away the name of the bridge, named after the Roman commander.
Mtskheta city (Georgian: ქალაქი მცხეთა), Municipality of Mtskheta (Georgian: მცხეთის მუნიციპალიტეტი)