Archaeologists have discovered that the ancient fortress of Dmanisi Gora in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia is over 40 times larger than previously believed. This revelation alters the understanding of Bronze Age societies in the region and reveals the complexity and scale of ancient settlements.

"The study results showed that the site was over 40 times larger than initially thought, including a vast outer settlement protected by a 1-kilometer-long fortification wall," said Dr. Nathaniel Erb-Satullo, a lecturer in archaeological sciences at Cranfield University, according to Archaeology Magazine.

The discovery emerged from drone surveys conducted by the research team. Using a DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone, the team captured nearly 11,000 high-resolution aerial photographs, which were processed to create detailed digital elevation models and orthophotos. "The drone took nearly 11,000 pictures which were knitted together using software to produce high-resolution digital elevation models and orthophotos—composite pictures that show every point as if you were looking straight down," explained Erb-Satullo, according to Archaeology Magazine.

These imaging techniques unveiled additional fortification walls and stone structures surrounding the inner fortress of Dmanisi Gora. The team used this information to create a map of the fortress, including new maps of the fortification walls, graves, field systems, and stone structures.

Researchers led by Dr. Erb-Satullo and Dimitri Jachvliani of the Georgian National Museum began exploring the Dmanisi Gora site in 2018. Their investigations focused on a fortified promontory situated between two gorges, a strategic location that underscores the site's defensive significance. Initial surveys underestimated the scale of the fortress due to dense vegetation and the size of the area. However, seasonal changes revealed the extent of the site. As the autumn season stripped the landscape of vegetation, the researchers observed that Dmanisi Gora extended far beyond the previously known boundaries, reported Scienze Notizie.

Dmanisi Gora, which dates back over 3,000 years and was built sometime between 1500 and 500 BCE during the Late Bronze Age, now stands among the category of mega-fortresses in the region. The site covers an area ranging from 148 to 198 acres, confirming its status as one of the largest known fortresses in the Caucasus, according to Scienze Notizie.

The expansive outer area of Dmanisi Gora suggests that it may have accommodated seasonal inhabitants or a larger population, while the inner fortress likely housed permanent residents. This indicates a complex and dynamic society with sophisticated social organization.

"Now that the site is widely mapped, subsequent studies will begin to provide information on areas such as population density and intensity, livestock movements, and agricultural practices, among others," stated Erb-Satullo, according to Huffington Post.

The team's use of drone technology shows the importance of modern methods in archaeology. The ability to capture aerial imagery has allowed researchers to document and better understand archaeological sites of such scale.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq