Secrets of Dmanisi: This massive Bronze Age mountain fortress astounds with its size (photos).

In the Caucasus mountains of southern Georgia lies a Bronze Age fortress that captivates researchers, as they remain uncertain about its original purpose. This site, located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, is known as Dmanisi, writes IFLScience.

The Dmanisi fortress, which dates back approximately 3,000 years, is part of a series of fortified settlements that emerged in the South Caucasus between the second and first millennia BC.

Previous excavations began in 2018, but it was not until the following year that archaeologists uncovered an additional layer of external fortification walls. This discovery significantly expanded the known boundaries of the settlement, showcasing its vastness.

The complete area of the Dmanisi fortress could not be assessed from the ground level; it was only through drone photography that researchers were able to achieve this. They captured 11,000 aerial images, which were then combined to create a comprehensive map of the fortress.

"The results of this study showed that the site is more than 40 times larger than previously thought, including a large external settlement protected by a kilometer-long fortification wall," explained study author Dr. Nathaniel Erb-Satullo.

A detailed analysis revealed features such as graves, field systems, and stone structures within the settlement, adding valuable information about its layout.

Double fortification walls, constructed from unhewn boulders up to 2 meters thick, appear to have been built as a unified, interconnected defensive system. This suggests that the internal and external settlements coexisted, making Dmanisi one of the largest known settlements in the South Caucasus during the late Bronze and Iron Ages.

Interestingly, the external settlement contains minimal archaeological evidence, such as tools or household items, leaving researchers to speculate about its use. It is quite possible that this site was inhabited only seasonally, serving as a refuge for herders during migrations. Such a function could explain the significant effort invested in its construction despite the lack of a large permanent population.

Although the exact purpose of the Dmanisi fortress remains unknown, researchers believe that further studies will shed light on its role in ancient society. Investigating population density, livestock movement, and agricultural practices may provide answers to these questions and help deepen the understanding of this enigmatic monument.

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