Senaki Municipality
Senaki in Samegrelo: Nokalakevi (Archaeopolis), capital of ancient Lazica, the Tekhuri valley and Kolkheti lowland. History and routes.
Senaki Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Senaki Municipality lies in the south of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, on the Kolkheti (Colchis) lowland of western Georgia, with the town of Senaki as its administrative centre, at about 28 m above sea level between the Tekhuri and Tsivi rivers. The municipality covers about 521 km² of fertile plains and low hills, and part of Kolkheti National Park extends into its territory.
The municipality’s most important historic site is Nokalakevi, the ancient fortified city on the Tekhuri River known to Byzantine authors as Archaeopolis. Excavations have revealed occupation from the 8th to the 2nd century BC, while its massive stone walls and buildings date from the 4th–6th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the kingdom of Lazica (Egrisi), identified with Tsikhegoji. Nokalakevi was a key stronghold in the wars between Byzantium and Persia and is one of the most important archaeological sites of western Georgia.
The name Senaki is first recorded in the 17th century. After the railway reached the area in 1872, the town’s centre moved about 5 km to its present location around the station. In the Soviet period Senaki was renamed Mikha Tskhakaia (1935) and later Tskhakaia (1976); its historical name was restored in 1989.
Senaki is associated with several notable Georgians, including the linguist Arnold Chikobava and the writer and theatre figure Valerian Gunia. Today the municipality is an agricultural area and an important road and railway junction of western Georgia.
For travellers, Senaki is worth a stop for Nokalakevi: walk along the ancient walls above the Tekhuri gorge, visit the museum of the archaeological site, and combine it with nearby Martvili Canyon or the Kolkheti wetlands for a full day in Samegrelo.
FAQ
1) Where is Senaki Municipality located?
In the south of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, on the Kolkheti lowland.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Senaki, between the Tekhuri and Tsivi rivers.
3) What is Nokalakevi?
An ancient fortified city on the Tekhuri, known as Archaeopolis, a capital of Lazica in the 4th–6th centuries AD.
4) Is Nokalakevi in Senaki Municipality?
Yes, the village and archaeological site of Nokalakevi are in Senaki Municipality.
5) How old is Nokalakevi?
Occupation is attested from the 8th century BC; its stone walls date from the 4th–6th centuries AD.
6) What was Senaki called in the Soviet period?
Mikha Tskhakaia (from 1935) and Tskhakaia (from 1976); the name Senaki was restored in 1989.
7) When did the railway reach Senaki?
In 1872.
8) Is Kolkheti National Park nearby?
Yes, part of Kolkheti National Park extends into the municipality.
9) Who was born in Senaki?
Among others, the linguist Arnold Chikobava.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.