THE NEOLITHIC SEQUENCE AT KHRAMI’S DIDI GORA (GEORGIA): NEW SOUTHERN PROFILE STRATIGRAPHY AND AN UPDATED RADIOCARBON FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This paper presents new results from the re-investigation of the Neolithic settlement of Khramis Didi Gora, located in the Kvemo Kartli plain of southern Georgia, within the cultural sphere of the Shomu-Shulaveri tradition. Originally excavated between 1972 and 1986, the site has recently been revisited to refine its stratigraphic sequence and chronological framework. The 2023 fieldwork focused on the southern profile of the old excavation trench, where systematic cleaning, documentation, and stratigraphic analysis were conducted. Layers were identified, recorded, and interpreted in accordance with the principles of archaeological stratigraphy, supported by the construction of a stratigraphic matrix.

A total of 30 bioarchaeological samples were collected, of which 10 were selected for radiocarbon (C14) dating. The analysis revealed a complex sequence of architectural and occupational phases, including mud-brick walls, plastered floor levels, burnt horizons, and hearth installations. The newly obtained radiocarbon dates allow the identification of multiple phases of settlement development, spanning the middle to late stages of the Shomu-Shulaveri Culture.

These results significantly refine the chronological placement of Khramis Didi Gora and demonstrate a gradual, multi-phase occupation pattern. The study also highlights the importance of revisiting legacy excavation data using modern analytical methods, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of Neolithic settlement dynamics in the South Caucasus.

Keywords: Stratigraphy, Neolithic, Radiocarbon Dating, Khramis Didi Gora, Shomu-Shulaveri Culture