Gadachrili Gora: Architecture and organisation of a Neolithic settlement in the middle Kura Valley (6th millennium BC, Georgia)
Résumé
The mechanisms responsible for the emergence of a farming economy in Transcaucasia have been the
subject of much debate since the 1970's. This debate has focused particularly on the role played by Near-
Eastern influences in the development of the Shulaveri-Shomu culture, which emerged in the Kura Basin
at the end of the 7th millennium BC. Recently, archaeological investigations have been conducted by a
Georgian-French team in Gadachrili Gora, one of four “Shulaveri group” tells located on a tributary of the
Chrami River in the Kvemo-Kartli plain of Georgia. Dating evidence clearly places the first levels of this
tell in an early phase of the development of the culture, between 5920 and 5720 Cal BC. These investigations
provide new evidence regarding the processes of neolithisation, especially in terms of
settlement organisation and the architectural techniques used at the time. Several occupation levels
feature connected circular units, of various sizes, together with “courtyards”, which were used as circulation
e or waste disposal areas. The density and organisation of these structures display different
patterns for the two distinct levels of occupation preserved. Evidence from the deepest occupation levels
suggests a high density of occupation in the settlement, with complex episodes of destruction and
rebuilding. Several building techniques were used, including different types of bricks laid in various
patterns depending on wall types. In addition, there is evidence for the use of the “bauge” construction
technique, which was unknown in the region until now. Parallels established with the construction
techniques of Northern Iran and Mesopotamia contribute to the discussion regarding the processes
underlying the emergence of the Shulaveri culture. Moreover, the high number of storage structures and
the discovery of organized built spaces dedicated to storage raise many questions about the status of the
site, the organisation of agricultural practices, and the relationship of these populations to the hydrographic
network within the area.