Tsikhegoji (Archaeopolis): The Legendary Capital of Colchis
On a bend of the Tekhuri River, the sprawling, magnificent ruins of Tsikhegoji stand as one of Georgia’s most important and evocative ancient sites. Known in the Roman and Byzantine world as Archaeopolis, this was no mere fortressβit was the mighty capital of the Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazica). This was a city of kings and legends, a key battleground in the epic wars between the Byzantine and Persian Empires, and a place that resonates with the deepest history of Western Georgia.
The story of Tsikhegoji is ancient. Built on a site fortified since the Bronze Age, it rose to become a major city by the early centuries AD. Its strategic location, protected on three sides by the river and a deep gorge, made it a natural stronghold. The kings of Egrisi built three lines of massive defensive walls, enclosing the lower city, the upper city, and the royal acropolis on the highest point. For centuries, this was one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in the Caucasus.
Its most famous historical chapter came in the 6th century, during the Lazic War, a brutal, decades-long conflict between the Byzantines and Sassanid Persians for control of this vital region. The Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea described Archaeopolis in great detail, chronicling the heroic defenses and epic sieges that took place at its walls. To walk among these ruins is to step into the pages of his history.
Exploring Tsikhegoji today is an awe-inspiring experience. The scale of the ruins is immense. You can walk through the ancient gates, trace the walls that climb the steep hills, and discover the ruins of royal palaces, 4th-century churches, secret tunnels leading to the river, and the Roman-style baths of the kings. The on-site museum displays the incredible artifacts unearthed here, connecting you directly to the city’s inhabitants.
Tsikhegoji is not just a ruin; it is the ghost of a great capital. It is a journey to the heart of ancient Colchis, a place that tells a grand story of kingdoms, empires, and the enduring struggle for control of the Caucasian heartland.
πΊοΈ Geography & Location
Exact Location:
The Archaeopolis of Tsikhegoji is located in the Senaki Municipality of the Samegrelo region, Georgia, on the left bank of the Tekhuri River, near the modern village of Nokalakevi.
Strategic Placement:
The city was built in a naturally fortified river bend, controlling the main route from the Kolkheti lowlands into the highlands of Lechkhumi and Svaneti.
Coordinates:
Approximately 42.3611Β° N, 42.1944Β° E.
π History & Background
Date of Construction & Origins:
The site has been inhabited since the early Bronze Age, with major fortifications built from the 4th century BC onwards. It was the capital of Egrisi (Lazica) from the 4th to the 8th centuries AD.
Historical Role:
It was the political, military, and religious capital of the Kingdom of Egrisi. It was the main theater of war during the 6th-century Lazic War between the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires.
Status:
Tsikhegoji is a historical-architectural museum-reserve of national significance, a major archaeological site, and a key tourist destination.
ποΈ Architecture & Design
Materials Used:
Constructed from local limestone and rock, with different masonry styles reflecting its long history of construction and rebuilding.
Key Features:
- Three-Part City: The site consists of a lower city, an upper city, and a citadel, each with its own defensive walls.
- Massive Fortifications: The defensive walls are several kilometers long and feature numerous towers.
- Royal and Religious Buildings: Ruins include royal palaces, an early 4th-century church, a 6th-century basilica, and Roman-style baths.
- Secret Tunnel: A famous feature is the tunnel that provided secure access to the river during sieges.
Unique Aspects:
Its status as the well-documented capital of ancient Colchis/Egrisi and its central role in the Byzantine-Persian wars make it one of the most important archaeological sites in Georgia.
π Cultural & Tourist Significance
The Capital of Egrisi:
It is the most important monument for understanding the history and culture of the ancient kingdom of Egrisi, the successor to the mythical Colchis.
A Window to Antiquity:
The site offers a rare and detailed look into the urban life and military architecture of a major Late Antique Caucasian city.
πΆ How to Visit
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The large, open site is best explored in the pleasant weather of spring and autumn.
Accessibility:
The site is easily accessible, located near a main road, with a dedicated museum and visitor facilities.
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