Antiquity: Colchis & the Golden Fleece

Georgia's history reaches back into the deepest prehistory. The Dmanisi skulls (1.8 million years old), found near Tbilisi, are the oldest remains of Homo erectus outside Africa — Georgia was literally one of humanity's first stops in Europe.

Colchis — The Land of the Golden Fleece

In western Georgia, the kingdom of Colchis (Kolcheti) emerged in the 2nd millennium BC, famous for its goldsmithing and wealth. Greek mythology placed the Golden Fleece here — the magical ram's fleece that Jason and the Argonauts attempted to steal. In fact, the myth is based on a real practice: the Colchians placed sheep's fleece in gold-bearing streams to catch the gold dust.

In the east, the kingdom of Iberia (Kartli) existed, consolidating in the 4th century BC and encompassing present-day central Georgia. The capital was Mtskheta, today a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Georgia's holiest places.

Christianization (337 AD)

In 337 AD, under King Mirian III, Georgia became one of the first Christian countries in the world — even before the Roman Empire. The conversion is attributed to Saint Nino, a Cappadocian woman who proselytized with a cross made of vine branches (tied with her own hair). This cross remains the symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church to this day.

The Jvari Church (6th century) above Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) in Mtskheta — both UNESCO World Heritage sites — mark the birthplace of Georgian Christianity.