Urbnisi

Urbnisi, situated in Georgia's Shida Kartli region, was a significant city in ancient and medieval Iberia. Initially inhabited in the 3rd millennium BCE, the city saw considerable growth by the 4th century BCE, becoming a hub of commerce and culture. Archaeological finds include wattle and daub structures, and artifacts of both local and foreign origin. The city's history is marked by periods of prosperity and conflict, including a siege in the 3rd century BCE and an Arab invasion in the 8th century CE. The advent of Christianity transformed Urbnisi into a major religious center, culminating in a council convened by King David the Builder in the early 12th century CE. The site features defensive structures, religious buildings, and a notable 18th-century bell tower, reflecting its historical and architectural significance.