Rioni-Kvirila Basin International Expedition
The international expedition of Rioni-Kvirila Basin is on the way of making new discoveries. The scientists have been investigating and studying the Rioni-Kvirila basin for many years, but they have also started a new type of research works in the recent period. The new type works imply a conducting of interdisciplinary research. The specialists working in the different fields are involved in the expedition and have already launched the works with diverse interests and objectives. The expedition is initiated by Ilia State University and leaded by Mr. Nikoloz Tushabramishvili.
All archaeological layers - Paleolithic, Neolithic, Eneolith and Bronze Age, Medieval Centuries - have been discovered on the mentioned territory. The paleologists, botanists, archaeologists, zoologists, paleontologists studying mammals/rodents as well as ecologists striving to rebuild the endangered eco-system are involved in these activities.
The multidisciplinary works are incorporated by the common expedition theme - regarding human and environment.
The Chiatura caves illustrate all stages of human being and all processes taking place in the environment. So that, we are studying the climate and its changes, human adaptation process as well as exploring the flora/fauna and investigating the ancient tools used for hunting. In addition, we are looking into the major causes of the species extinction.
The alpinists are also engaged in the activities for the purpose of finding new places. It would be appealing if foreign researchers get involved in the expedition.
Rioni-Kvirila basin is full of materials and the scientists are witnesses of new discoveries at every step. Nevertheless, the great attention is given to the several centers because of the discovered remains of animals and humans. One of the mentioned centers is extremely particular on account of including the middle Paleolithic layers dated from 300 000 to 40 000 years. It is Neanderthal period. As well, the work team has investigated the middle and upper Paleolithic layers when modern human was evaluated. We have found some materials of the later period including the layers of Bronze Age and medieval centuries. The depth of the cave is 80metres and one of the walls is covered with the human icon. There is a 40metres well in depth and presently, the lift has been installed in it to take out some materials and animal remains. The foreign researchers have proved that one of the individuals was killed or deceased and then discarded to the well. The scientists suppose that the above-mentioned occasion is likely related to the specific ritual.
The Bondi cave is among the most important locations. It consists of middle and upper Paleolithic layers. The most significant issue is to identify the shifting processes from middle to upper Paleolithic-how modern human replaced Neanderthal. The modern researches include the conclusions about their probable co-existence. It will be interesting if such fact be emerged. Apart from it, there is another assumption about the differences between Neanderthals existing in the northern and southern parts of the Caucasus, but it requires a comprehensive research.
The results of the expedition have been used to make some changes in dating of the monastery located in the Chiatura cave.
The involvement of the alpinists in the expedition has provided an opportunity to way in the caves and to make key changes in dating of the complex. The working team has also discovered a cave city looking like the complex of David Gareji and belonging to the same period. The two-nave church has been discovered as well. The five-century old cave monastery will most likely become a place of new researches.