Machakhela Archaeology Project

Location: Machakhela, Adjara, Georgia

Season: July 5, 2025 to July 29, 2025

Session Dates: Survey: July 5th-July 12th/Excavation: July 15th-July 29th

Application Deadline: July 1, 2024

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095279433316

Discount for AIA members: No

Program Type:
Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University

Project Director:
Dr. Roin Malakmadza, Dr. Sulkhan Mamuladze, M.A David Grace

Project Description:

This year the Machakhela Project will be conducting archaeological surveys and excavations. Volunteers can sign up for just 1 or both of these, however space is limited for the survey.

The archaeological survey will take place right before the excavation and is meant to find other potential excavation sites, gather information about the population in Machakhela during the medieval time period, try and establish if there was a settlement around Chkhutuneti Castle. The survey will involve:

• Documenting and taking measurements on sites already known by locals
• Interviewing locals about potential sites in area
• Foot surveys which will include some hiking through forested areas.

This year our excavation takes place at Chkhutuneti Castle. Chkhutuneti castle is located in the Machakhela Gorge in Khelvachauri Municipality. It was part of a string of castles which also includes Gvara Castle, Khertvisi Castle and Mindieti Castle two of which now reside in modern day Turkey. This string of castles were built in the 11th century to monitor and protect the trade routes that went through the area. Excavations so far show finds from two distinct cultures that occupied the castle, medieval Georgian and Ottoman. A burnt layer in the Ottoman period suggest the tower of the castle caught fire and collapsed. Written record shows there was a military campaign during this period suggesting the fire could have been from conflict. This is also supported by evidence that show the fortifications of the castle were reenforced and built to a noticeably low standard during this same period.

The excavations on Chkhutuneti Castle this year are part of a bigger project within Machakhela National Park. The Machakhela Archaeology Project is a project created to survey, excavate, and study the numerous archaeology sites within Machakhela which has received very little archaeology attention in the past.

Costs:

• Excavation 2 weeks 1100$
• Survey 1 week 700$
• This includes lodging, meals, transportation to site and excursions

Period(s) of Occupation: There are 2 time periods and cultures represented at Chkhutuneti castle. A Georgian medieval period 10th-15th century and an Ottoman Empire period 15th -19th century.

Notes:
During the excavation season we will also be going on a couple excursions to Roman built Gonio fortress, Gvara castle a Medieval Georgian castle associated with Chkhutuneti castle along with cultural experiences such as a Georgian folk dance show, wine tasting, and trips to museums in the region. Last year we went to Shamtoba mountain festival. There will be a relaxed work environment with a small hike to the excavation site everyday. The climate is mild where we are at but excavating can be hot and physical work sometimes. It is recommended to be prepared to handle this and working outside. The local community is very supportive of our project so there is will also be lots of opportunities to interact with the local culture. The excavation takes place in a big wine area in Georgia with lots of locals making wine. We do ask volunteers to be conscious of their wine intake and be responsible with it.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 1 week

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No experience required

Room and Board Arrangements:
Lodging and 2 meals a day are provided in the costs. The lodging will be at the Malakmadze guest house in the Machakhela National Park. There are shared rooms although a couple private rooms are available at an additional cost. This area is a beautiful area with a waterfall 2 minutes walk from the Guesthouse, a river to swim in and plenty of places to hike to. The food is Georgian cuisine and is almost entirely from the immediate area and is homemade. The food is typically viewed as a huge perk to the excavation. This is also a big wine area in Georgia with locally made wine everywhere.

Academic Credit:
No