Dmanisi Archeological Site

The Dmanisi archaeological site has been under study since the Soviet era. In 1936-1937, academician Mukhielishvili conducted excavations here, followed by academician V.V. Japaridze in 1960. Beginning in 1984, during the excavations of ancient storage facilities, researchers began to uncover artifacts from the Pleistocene epoch, dating back between 2 million and 11,000 years ago. Among the notable finds was a tooth from the rhinoceros species Dicerorhinus etruscus. Initially, it was thought that the inhabitants of Dmanisi had brought these remains from elsewhere. However, it was later revealed that the construction of the storage facilities had disturbed Pleistocene layers, indicating that the bones were indeed local to Dmanisi.

Even more intriguing was the discovery of a stone scraper, suggesting that humans may have inhabited the area, though this seemed improbable at the time.

In 1991, during the excavation of another storage area, archaeologists unearthed a human jawbone, now known as D211. This significant find occurred early in the morning of September 25, although some sources mistakenly report it as September 24. The bone was discovered by German student Antje Justus. In 1999, a cranial box labeled D2280 was also found.

That same year, the upper part of the first jawbone was recovered, and the complete skull numbered 2 was assembled. Subsequently, skull number 3 was discovered, followed by skull number 4 in 2002.

In 2000, researchers were able to accurately date these finds based on the lava in which they were embedded, determining an age of 1.85 million years.

This was an absolutely incredible discovery, but even more fascinating and lesser-known findings followed: in 2005, five vertebrae were uncovered—one lumbar, two thoracic, and two cervical. These are now recognized as the oldest known vertebrate bones in science.

These beings, still not fully human, bore some resemblance to Homo erectus, which is believed to have originated 2 million years ago, either in Asia or Africa. Initially classified as erectus, further analysis led researchers to conclude that they constituted a distinct human species, which was named “Georgian Man” (Homo georgicus). Eventually, the prevailing theory suggested that they were indeed a subspecies of erectus, though contemporary studies often align them more closely with Homo ergaster.

In addition to these bones, over 3,000 animal bones have been discovered, including those of rhinoceroses. The associated flora and fauna allowed for dating these bones to approximately 1.7 to 1.8 million years ago. This was nearly unbelievable, as all previously known finds of hominids from that era had been exclusively located in Africa.

Analysis confirmed that these were our distant ancestors, the first to leave Africa and colonize Europe! This groundbreaking discovery shook the scientific community, challenging many long-held beliefs. Experts established that the fragments of the jaw and skull belonged to a bipedal human, dating back 1.8 million years. Further discoveries of numerous fragments enabled researchers to reconstruct the appearance of what is now referred to as Dmanisi’s Homo georgicus. Remarkably, it was in Georgia that the oldest remains in Europe were found, with only older specimens existing in Africa.

To add to the excitement, alongside the male specimen, a female was also discovered. They were named Mziya (the male) and Zezva (the female), and they are now considered the first Europeans. Following this astonishing revelation, Georgia gained a new status as a region where the human species actively emerged. From here, our “species” migrated to other modern countries!

Thus, these beings likely migrated (possibly from Africa) to Georgia, where tropical conditions prevailed, with monkeys, crocodiles, and rhinoceroses inhabiting the landscape. They lived here for some time, engaging in the hunting of large animals. They were skilled at crafting tools from local basalt and quartzite. Eventually, they either went extinct or returned to Africa, suggesting that they are not our direct ancestors but rather a side branch that has since vanished.

In total, five skulls have been found, with skull number 3, discovered in 2002, being particularly well-preserved. Skull number 4, found shortly after, is notable for the fact that its owner lost their teeth during their lifetime and somehow survived without them. Whether they consumed soft food or were fed by others remains uncertain, especially for that era. All skulls are now housed in the National Museum.

Currently, the archaeological zone is located within the territory of the settlement. Here, a five-meter layer of soil contains several test pits.

The site has been well organized, with pathways, wooden walkways, canopies, and explanatory signs in place. It is a rare location on the planet where traces of both the Bronze Age and the bones of “the bipedal human” can be found. The site closes at 6:00 PM and is surrounded by barbed wire, ensuring security is maintained by two police officers on duty.