New discoveries by the Gonio–Apsaros Polish

The 2024 excavation season at the Roman fort of Apsaros (Georgia) ran from mid-May to the end of July. During this period, a Polish-Georgian archaeological expedition led by Assoc. Prof. Radosław Karasiewicz-Szczypiorski (Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw – PCMA UW) and Dr. Lasha Aslanishvili (Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara) made new significant discoveries.

One of the key findings was a set of kilns used for firing amphorae, vessels typically used to store wine. Particularly intriguing was a kiln with amphorae left inside after firing. This discovery confirms that Colchian amphorae, which were widely used around the Black Sea, were produced in Apsaros, located in what is now the town of Gonio near Batumi. Nearby, a wine press was also found, suggesting that local wine may have been exported in these amphorae, likely for use by the Roman military.

Work continued on the mosaics in the residence of the garrison commander, known as Arrian’s House. The third mosaic uncovered here has been partially preserved on-site, as further excavation requires extending the research area. Earlier, the most endangered sections of the mosaics had already been moved to a local museum and restored by a team from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, led by Dr. Julia Burdajewicz.

Additionally, a unique find at Apsaros was a gold votive plaque. This thin plate, inscribed in Greek, was a dedication to Jupiter Dolichenus, a deity especially revered by Roman soldiers. The discovery strengthens the hypothesis that a sanctuary dedicated to Dolichenus existed in the vicinity of the Apsaros fort, and the search for this sanctuary will be a focus of future excavation seasons.

Read more about the research conducted by the PCMA UW in Gonio-Apsaros.