Pichvnari 4th century BC Colchian cemetery: 2022-2023

Abstract

The standing archaeological excavation was conducted at the Pichvnari 4^th century BC Colchian cemetery in 2022-2023 too.

Dozen graves were excavated. Imported and local grave goods as rings, beads, jugs, oinochoe, bracelet, cups, coins, etc. were discovered.

The ritual platform is particularly of note, as no ritual platforms are attested from the Colchian cemetery that dates to the 5^th century BC. Most likely, this is a result of Greek influence in burial practices, as is the domination of eastern orientation of the bodies in individual inhumation graves in this period.

Another detail of note is that a significant number of the 4^th century BC graves belonging to both Greeks and Colchians do not contain burial goods. Most likely, this is a result of the political and economic decline of Athens, which had an effect on Pichvnari too.

Compared to the 5^th century BC Colchian cemetery, we can trace both the decline in number of imported goods as well as their quality.

Among imported ceramics, so-called grey clay vessels most likely manufactured in Heraclea Pontica seem to be the most popular. Black-gloss pottery manufactured in Athens also were found.

The majority of pottery found in the 4^th century BC burials is locally produced. At Pichvnari, imitations of Greek forms of pottery such as the oinochoe appear in the 5^th century BC and seem to increase in popularity in the 4^th century BC. Colchian forms of pottery are also typical at Pichvnari, some dating earlier than the 5^th century BC and in use throughout the 4^th century BC and later.

Among other grave goods iron bracelets, bronze crescent hoops that would have been worn on a necklace, blue and green glass beads, a radial earring, coins, etc. are traced.