Recent archaeological discovery at Georgia's ancient Black Sea coastline Petra Fortress has provided historians with insight of 6th century contest between the Byzantine and Sasanian empires, ahead of upcoming tourist development on the site.
The latest findings on the territory of the ancient stronghold were made "a few days ago", press office of Adjara Autonomous Republic Government Chair Zurab Pataridze said.
Located 25km north of Batumi, the fortress city dates back to 535AD and is located in today's Tsikhisdziri village, with latest round of archaeological work ongoing on its territory for the past two years.
Today's announcement by the local government said the digs had resulted in discovery of ancient weapons, household items, work instruments and human remains. The combat items include iron axes, short swords, spearheads and arrowheads, a helmet as well as fragments of chainmail armour and shield.
Other findings were ceramic items for daily usage, 95 silver coins and fragments of burnt human bones, indicating a destructive battle for one of the towers of the fort. The remains were well preserved due to absence of any effort to restore the tower following its destruction, Agenda.ge reported.
