Trialeti culture

The Trialeti culture (Georgian: თრიალეთის კულტურა, also known as Trialeti-Vanadzor [Kirovakan] culture), is named after the Trialeti region of Georgia. It is attributed to the late 3rd and early 2nd millennium BC. Trialeti culture emerged in the areas of the preceding Kura-Araxes culture.

Background

The earliest Shulaveri-Shomu culture existed in the area from 6000 to 4000 BC. Then came the Kura-Araxes culture.

The flourishing stage of Trialeti culture began near the end of the third millennium BC.

Kurgans

At that time, there was already strong social differentiation indicated by rich mound burials. There are parallels to the Early Kurgan culture. Cremation burial was practised. Painted pottery was introduced. Tin bronzes became predominant. Geographical interconnectedness and links with other areas of the Near East are seen in many aspects of the culture. For example, a cauldron found in Trialeti is nearly identical to the one from Shaft Grave 4 of Mycenae in Greece.

The Trialeti culture shows close ties with the highly developed cultures of the ancient world, particularly with the Aegean, but also with cultures to the south, such as probably the Sumerians and their Akkadian conquerors.

Trialeti

Trialeti (Georgian: თრიალეთი) is a mountainous area in central Georgia. In Georgian, its name means "a place of wandering". The Trialeti Range is a part of the greater Trialeti Region.

Coordinates: 41°30′N 44°10′E / 41.500°N 44.167°E / 41.500; 44.167