Archaeological Research upon the Earliest Christian Settlement in Nekresi

摘要

The present paper deals with the cathedral complex dating to the 4th-6th centuries discovered in the ancient and early medieval settlement of Nekresi and the practice of burials of high-ranking clergymen inside churches. The main building is a three-nave basilica. The overall area of the basilica is 44 × 28 m. During archaeological research, two burials (No. 58 and No. 97) were discovered in the basilica under the floor of the central hall, which, according to stratigraphic analysis and radiocarbon studies were arranged in the period between the first half of the 5th century and the fifties of the 6th century. Along with the distinguished arrangement of these graves, the anatomical postures and attributes of the deceased indicate their belonging to high-ranking clergymen. Extremely noteworthy, hitherto unknown practice of Christian burial tradition reflecting the symbolism associated with Christian teaching has been attested on the territory of Georgia.