Vani is a town in Imereti region of western Georgia, 41 km southwest from the regional capital Kutaisi. Systematic archaeological studies carried out in the Vani environs since 1947 revealed the remnants of a rich city of the ancient power of Colchis. Vani was the centre of a political-administrative unit of the kingdom of Colchis that reached the apex of development in the period between the 3rd and the 1st centuries BC. Beautiful examples of gold and silver, jewelers and coins, numerous potteries and figurines of animals and some unique pieces of the ancient Colchis found during the archeological excavations in Vani, are now on display itself at Vani Museum and at the Georgian State Museum in Tbilisi.
Nokalakevi
Nokalakevi-Tsikhegoji-Archaeopolis (located on the left bank of the Tekhura river) is one of the most important monument of the early Middle Ages, situated in the west Georgia. Nokalakevi site represents the archeological and architectural complex. The whole area presents 20 hectares within the walls. The site developed from 13th c BC till 6th c AC. The city is bordered by the river from three sides. On the territory of the city there are exposed palaces, Christian churches, bath-houses, water reservoir, tunnel and other economical and fortification buildings. In Nokalakevi near the site there is an archaeological museum.
Dzalisi
Dzalisi is a historic village in Georgia, located in the Mukhrani valley, 50 km northwest of Tbilisi, and 20 km northwest of Mtskheta. Dzalisi Archaeological site consists of several layers from the Bronze Age (3rd-2nd Millennium BC). It was the second Capital of Kartli Kingdom up to the period of its decline from 5th to 8th c. AD. Archaeological digs have revealed the remains of four palaces and hypo-caustic baths, acropolis, swimming pool, administrative part, barracks for soldiers, water supply system and burial grounds. One of the villas is notable for its floor mosaics, which, together with the mosaics of Pityus, are, by far, the oldest ones found in the Caucasus. The style of the mosaic dates to around AD 300. Its central part depicts Ariadne and Dionysus in a banquet scene.
Dmanisi
The site of Dmanisi is located on the territory of the medieval town of Dmanisi, on the promontory formed by the confluence of the Mashavera and Phinezauri Rivers. It is famous for its three-church basilica of Dmanisi, built in the 6th century. The excavations of the ruins of Dmanisi were begun in 1936 and continue into the 1960. The research confirmed that the Dmanisi remains are the oldest and the most primitive in Eurasia. On the basis of paleontological, archaeological and hominid materials scholars dated the site as 1.7 to 1.8 years old.
