Nestled in the village of Mkhvimeni in the Chiatura district, the Dzhudzuana Caves stand as a unique historical monument that has facilitated significant archaeological discoveries by a collaborative research team from Georgia, Israel, and the United States. These caves have become a focal point for scientists seeking to explore and reconstruct the migration paths of early humans during the Late Paleolithic era, specifically focusing on Homo sapiens.
Within one of the cavernous halls, where prehistoric humans once roamed, researchers uncovered ancient linen fibers embedded in the dust. These fibers were found to have been separated, twisted, and then spun, showcasing early textile production techniques. Remarkably, traces of plant-based dyes were also detected on some of the fibers. Prior to this groundbreaking discovery, the oldest known thread was a nettle fiber found in the Czech Republic, estimated to be 29,000 years old. This led to the prevailing belief that humans had created the oldest fabric around that time. However, the findings from the Dzhudzuana Caves have fundamentally altered this understanding.
The significance of the Dzhudzuana Caves extends beyond the discovery of ancient yarn. Archaeologists have identified eight distinct historical layers within the caves, seven of which date back to the Paleolithic era. The cave system reaches a depth of 175 meters, with widths varying between 1 to 15 meters and heights ranging from 1.5 to 10 meters. It consists of two levels, where traversing the first floor is relatively straightforward, while navigating the second presents more of a challenge. A stream flows through the cave, and stunning stalactite formations can be found throughout, adding to the allure of Dzhudzuana alongside its cultural significance.
A visit to the Dzhudzuana Caves promises to captivate tourists interested in paleontology, archaeology, speleology, geology, and those simply seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.