# Nokalakevi - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/cities/nokalakevi - Type: city - Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - Coordinates: 42.357222, 42.193889 ## The Ancient City (Archaeopolis) — Nokalakevi ### Location **Nokalakevi** is located in western Georgia, in the **Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti** region, **Senaki Municipality**, on the **left bank of the Tekhuri River**, near the village of **Jikha**. ### The ruins and the fortress complex On the Tekhuri’s riverbank, in the village of Nokalakevi, monumental remains of an ancient fortified settlement have survived, including: - a **massive defensive wall**, - **monumental towers**, - and a fortification line that begins by the river, follows the mountain slopes, and connects to equally impressive ruins on a plateau near the summit. This upper section forms the so-called **“Upper Fortress” — the Acropolis**, which local residents call **“Jikha.”** ### Written tradition and names According to information preserved in Georgian and foreign historical writing, **Nokalakevi was an important and well-known center from ancient times**. The 11th-century Georgian historian **Leonti Mroveli** attributes the construction of this ancient city to **Kuji**, the ruler (eristavi) of **Egrisi and Svaneti** (3rd century BCE). In Georgian tradition the site is associated with **Tsikhegoji** (“Kuji’s fortress”), and another variant name **“Jikhakvinji”** is also mentioned in the text. Historical sources place Tsikhegoji among Georgian towns of the **Early Hellenistic period**. In Greek and Byzantine tradition, the settlement is known as **“Archaeopolis.”** Two historians—**Procopius of Caesarea** and **Agathias**—are cited as conveying this name. The components are explained as: **“archai(a)” = “old”** and **“polis” = “city,”** meaning **“Old City.”** The text further notes that Greeks often translated local names into Greek (e.g., **Vardtsikhe → Rodopolis**, **Tskhenistsqali → Hippos**, etc.). The text also states that **Justinian’s Novels** describe **Archaeopolis and Rodopolis** as among the greatest and most ancient fortresses. ### Pseudo-Scylax and the “great barbarian city” A passage attributed to **Pseudo-Scylax** (6th century BCE) is referenced, listing peoples, rivers, and cities along the Black Sea coast, and mentioning a **“great barbarian city”** located **180 stadia (~33 km)** upriver from Phasis (Poti). The text presents **two competing interpretations**: - one view links it to **Kutaisi**, though Kutaisi is not 33 km from Poti; - another view links it to **Nokalakevi**, although Nokalakevi is not situated on the **Rioni/Phasis** riverbank. It adds that, according to **Simon Janashia**, the river called **“Risi”** by Pseudo-Scylax might in fact be the **Tekhuri River**(a tributary of the Rioni). The text notes that neither interpretation can yet be confirmed conclusively due to the lack of sufficiently targeted archaeological research. ### Archaeology and historical timeline The text argues it is likely that an urban settlement existed here **even before Kuji’s era**, which is supported by the “Old City” name tradition (**Archaeopolis**) and by archaeological results. Evidence of habitation on Nokalakevi’s territory is confirmed by materials dating to the **8th–7th centuries BCE**. - From the **3rd century BCE**, Nokalakevi (Tsikhegoji) is described as one of the centers of **Colchis**. - Around the turn of the **3rd–4th centuries CE**, it becomes the **capital of the Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazika)**. - The city continued until the **530s of the 8th century**, and was destroyed during **Marwan ibn Muhammad’s campaign** (“Murvan Qru”). ### Modern attention, popularity, and museum-reserve status Excavation results have been widely covered in the media, and numerous works have been published on expedition findings. Today, Nokalakevi is a **popular destination** and hosts **various events**. The text also mentions British researcher and traveler **Tim Severin**, who attempted to retrace the legendary route of the Argonauts using a reconstructed ship similar to the **“Argo,”** arriving first at Poti and then at Nokalakevi; his impressions were recorded in his book. An **archaeological museum** operates on the site, and the area enjoys the status of a **museum-reserve**. ### FAQ 1. **Where is Nokalakevi located?** In western Georgia (Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti), Senaki Municipality, on the left bank of the Tekhuri River. 2. **What does “Archaeopolis” mean?** It is the Byzantine name meaning “Old City,” used for the fortified settlement. 3. **What is Tsikhegoji?** A Georgian name for Nokalakevi, commonly explained as “Kuji’s fortress” in Georgian tradition. 4. **Which periods shaped the site most?** Its late antique and early medieval phases are central, especially the 4th–6th centuries CE. 5. **How is it linked to the Lazic War?** Archaeopolis is frequently described as a key stronghold in the Byzantine–Sasanian struggle during the Lazic War (c. 540–562). 6. **What can you see on site today?** Large fortification walls, gates, and structural remains across lower and upper defensive zones. 7. **Why was the location strategic?** The Tekhuri’s course and the rugged terrain create natural defenses and help control river crossings and routes. 8. **Is it a museum-reserve?** Yes—Nokalakevi is presented as a museum-reserve site in general references. 9. **Who studies Nokalakevi today?** A major long-running project is the Anglo-Georgian Expedition to Nokalakevi. --- ## Sources / Bibliography - **Andria Apakidze** — Article: *“The Ancient City — Archaeopolis — Nokalakevi”*, journal **“Dzeglis Megobari”**(Issue/Collection **19**), **National Library Archive**. - **T. Qaukhchishvili** — *“Greek Writers’ Accounts on Georgia”*, **1967**. - **Nodar Lomouri** — *“Archaeopolis — Nokalakevi”*, journal **“Dzeglis Megobari”** (Issue/Collection **4**), **National Library Archive**, **1999**. ## This page in other languages - [ქართული](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/qalaqebi/noqalaqevi) - [Русский](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/goroda/nokalakevi)