Brief History of Mtskheta

Revered as one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, legend has it that this ancient city was founded by Mtskhetos, a heroic figure from Georgian mythology.

Archaeological findings reveal that Mtskheta existed some 5,000 years ago. Abundant Bronze Age artifacts testify to its significance and prosperity as early as the first millennium BCE. Officially, the city’s foundation dates back around 2,500 years, marking it as one of the key urban centers of its time.

It was during this very era, in the mid-first millennium BCE, that the various Georgian tribes united to form the Eastern Georgian Kingdom—known in ancient chronicles as Iberia. Mtskheta was chosen as the capital of this legendary realm.

The city became the royal seat of the Iberian kings, and its strategic location is just as fascinating: perched on a stony triangular promontory at the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. This dramatic panorama remains one of Georgia’s most iconic landscapes to this day.

Mtskheta flourished across many domains—culture, economy, crafts, and trade. To protect this thriving center, formidable fortresses and citadels were constructed, many of whose ruins still stand proudly today. Historical accounts tell of the conquest of Iberia and Mtskheta by Alexander the Great, and later, in 65 BCE, Roman legions advanced into the Caucasus.

Extensive Roman-era ruins unearthed here—including residential quarters, palaces, and a massive defensive wall—underscore the city’s stature in antiquity. Mtskheta eventually sprawled across both banks of the river. In time, vast territories of what is now Georgia and Armenia would fall under the dominion of the Roman Empire.

In ancient times, the people of Iberia worshipped a pantheon of Georgian deities, whose statues once adorned the city’s public squares. Mtskheta was also home to Aramean, Iranian, and Jewish communities, each preserving their religious traditions. Zoroastrian priests preached their faith openly here.

Yet above all, Mtskheta is renowned as the cradle of Christianity in Georgia. According to local tradition, the Jewish inhabitants of the city brought with them priceless relics, such as the Robe of Christ. It was here that Saint Nino of Cappadocia—revered as Georgia’s Christian enlightener—preached her faith.

Thanks to Saint Nino’s devoted mission, Christianity soon became the official state religion of Georgia. During this transformative era, a modest wooden church was erected in the heart of Mtskheta; later, a grand stone basilica rose in its place.

In the 11th century, the majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was built—the largest cathedral in Georgia. Although the capital of Iberia was moved to Tbilisi in the 6th century, Mtskheta remained the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of the nation.

Medieval chronicles describe Mtskheta as a wealthy, flourishing, and culturally refined city—a portrayal confirmed by both archaeological discoveries and ancient manuscripts.

The residence of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia was also established within the cathedral complex of Svetitskhoveli. In the 6th century, another architectural jewel arose in Mtskheta: the Church of Jvari (Holy Cross), one of Georgia’s oldest and most beautiful churches.

According to legend, this church marks the sacred spot where Saint Nino erected her wooden cross. Owing to its abundance of holy sites and deep-rooted religious traditions, Mtskheta has long been known as the “Second Jerusalem.” Until the 19th century, it was the site of coronations and royal burials for Georgia’s monarchs.

During the era of the Russian Empire, Mtskheta was incorporated into the Tiflis Governorate. In 1956, it was officially granted city status. Later, in recognition of its immense historical and spiritual contributions to Georgian Christianity, Mtskheta was honored with the revered title of “Holy City.”