History of the development of Adjara – following the chronology
Adjara is one of the oldest regions of Georgia. which throughout history has always stood out as one of the advanced regions of Georgia. According to ancient written sources, archaeological materials, ethnographic, folklore, and toponymic data, it is confirmed that Adjara belongs to the area of ancient settlements. This region was the ancient center of a highly developed, self-contained Kolkhi culture. Let’s follow the chronology, talk about the development of Adjara, and highlight important events.
II millennium BC
An urban-type settlement, about which, for the first time, was mentioned by the Roman writer Ilinia as ”Batus”, which means deep. Later, the Greek geographer Flavius Arrianus mentions ”Periplus Euxinus” in his work;
The second half of the 13th century BC
The territory of Adjara belonged to the geographical part of the Kingdom of Kolkheti. The myth of the journey of the Argonauts tells the story of the kingdom of Colchis and the capture of the Golden Fleece. Jason was patronized by the goddess Hera, who inspired him to travel to Colchis to King Ayet. The main goal of the Argonauts’ journey was to acquire the Golden Fleece.
1st century
Roman civilizations and the construction of the Gonio-Apsaros fortress. This was located 12 km from Batumi, on the left bank of the Chorokhi River, and its construction in the first century AD is connected with the Romans. This is the area where the Kolkhetian bronze culture and the first Georgian state unions: Dayaeni and Kolkha emerged;
1st century
The entry of Andrew the First into Georgia. Andrew the Apostle, the same as the first-named, was one of the twelve apostles of Christ, who, based on Greek historical sources, first preached Christianity in the coastal areas of the Black Sea and in Georgia;
6th century
This period is connected with the debate about the political orientation of the Kingdom of Colchis. The statesmen Ayet and Fartaz had two different ideas. According to Fartaz, he would continue his relationship with the traditionally monotheistic Byzantines or with the fire-worshipping Persians according to Ayet. The participants of the meeting finally supported Fartaz’s vision and the relations with the like-minded Byzantines continued;
9th century
In 888, the kingdom of Georgians was formed, which included Tao-Klarjeti and, accordingly, the region of Adjara. The Kingdom of Georgians, which was ruled by the Bagration dynasty, was founded by King Bagrat III in 978;
XI – XIII centuries
The golden age of Georgia, the era of Georgian kings David Agmashenebeli and King Tamar. This is the period of the country’s unification, progress, and upliftment. At that time, the Adjara region was distinguished by its cultural and economic growth and development.
