Dating back to the pre-Christian era, the Gomareti Steles are among the most significant artifacts of Georgian culture. These stone stelae and crosses, discovered in the vicinity of Gomareti, hold immense value not only for the study of Georgian art history but also for understanding the early history of the Georgian Church. The steles serve as a vital source of historical knowledge, adorned with contemporary ornaments and bearing lapidary inscriptions that classify them as epigraphic monuments. The region of Kvemo Kartli, with Gomareti at its heart, is recognized as a principal center for the study of these ancient artifacts.
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One of the most notable steles from Gomareti is situated atop the Tkemliani hill, located on the northeastern edge of the village, approximately 7 kilometers away. This particular stele, a gray rectangular monolith measuring 165×60×45 cm, features a unique design with an image of a hand and an inscription in capital letters. Discovered near the ruins a short distance northwest of the local church, the stele showcases a relief cross encircled at the top and a cluster of outstretched hands at the center. The lower and left sides of the stele are densely covered with inscriptions, although corrosion has significantly damaged them. Despite this, a few letters near the cross remain distinguishable, hinting at historical narratives yet to be fully deciphered.
In another part of the village, the Tsivilaant area, fragments of larger stelae have been found, distinguished by their intricate plant relief ornaments. These fragments further contribute to the understanding and appreciation of the artistic and cultural expressions of Georgia’s ancestors.
The significance of the Gomareti Steles was officially recognized on November 7, 2006, when the President of Georgia decreed them as immovable cultural monuments of national importance. This designation not only honors the historical and cultural value of the steles but also ensures their preservation for future generations to study and admire.
The Gomareti Steles stand as silent witnesses to Georgia’s ancient past, offering invaluable insights into the country’s pre-Christian era. They embody the artistic, cultural, and religious practices of a bygone era, making them an indispensable part of Georgia’s national heritage.
At a glance
Country: Georgia
Civilization: Ancestors of the Georgians
Age: Iron Age (approximately 1st millennium BC)
Image credit: https://georgia.travel/gomareti-stelae
Image credit: Wikimapia
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