Special locations to study

Nekresi Sun Temple (Georgia, Caucasus) 2-4 centu

The International Scientific Association Astroarchaeocaucasus, Dr. Irakli Simonia, Dr. Nodar Bakhtadze. To magnify the image, please give a mouse click on it.

Dear Colleague,

According to the ancient Georgian chronicle "Kartlis Tskhovreba" written by Leonti Mroveli, the Iberian king Parmajom, who reigned in the II century BC, founded the town of Nekresi in Kakheti (Caucasian Iberia-Georgia. Kakheti - Eastern region of Georgia). On the valley at the mountain bottom the vast building construction was found after archaeological excavation (50 meters X 50 meters), distinguished by its scale and difficult architecture. Here the architectural space is developed around the quadrangular building located in the center, where the evidence track of intensive fire was proved. The conch buildings surround it with conches directed to the center. The ensemble is wholly surrounded by quadrangular perimeter constructed walls. The temple is dated by II-IV c. A.D.

Preliminary archaeoastronomical studies of Nekresi temple were made. The sun-rise was observed from different points of the temple. The conch of the eastern side of the temple approximately aligned with the direction of sun-rise on the day of summer solstice. Nekresi sun temple had cultic significance and used for observing of celestial phenomena's. This temple requires deep archaeoastronomical studies. For this task the International Association Astroarchaeocaucaus preparing now the special project. We invite specialists in archaeoastronomy, archaeology, ethnocosmology join us in research of this unique monument.

1. If you have interest to take part in archaeoastronomical and archaeological studies of Nekresi temple contact us by e-mail.

2. If you are editor or publisher of electronic journal and has interest to this unique material we can offer you the special paper "Nekresi Sun Temple" for publication.

We will glad to collaborate with scientific societies, laboratories, institutes, sponsors for comprehensive research of Nekresi temple.

We wait your replies, questions, suggestions.

With thanks, Dr. Irakli Simonia

Dr. Nodar Bakhtadze

Association Astroarchaeocaucasus.

e-mail: ir_sim@yahoo.com