Vani

The archaeological site at Vani, in western Georgia, represents a significant city of the ancient kingdom of Colchis. It reveals a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural development spanning from the 8th century BCE to the mid-1st century BCE. The site exhibits phases of occupation, initially serving as a major cultic center, then evolving into a political-administrative hub, and finally a temple-city characterized by defensive walls, temples, altars, and a foundry for bronze casting. Vani is notable for its rich burials and sophisticated structures, showcasing the advanced societal and religious practices of the Colchian civilization. The city was ultimately destroyed in the mid-1st century BCE, marking the end of its historical significance.