georgia

FamouS GeorgianS

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GEORGIA - FAMOUS FACTS

Developed by Datka
Contact
famousgeorgians@yahoo.co.uk

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Astrology and Astronomy

One of the birthplaces of Astronomy;
- Ancient artifacts found show astronomical and astrological signs inc. Zodiac signs
- Zorats Kerer stonehenge, the first astronomical observatory, Ughtasar petroglyphs are all approx. 7000 - 9000 years old.
*Some located in Armenia, but 7000 - 9000 years ago the region was inhabited by Georgian tribes.

Alphabet

- Invented in IV century BC, probably based on an even older Colchian script
- Absolutely Unique, One of only 14 existing ones in the world
- Considered by many specialist to be the most perfect one.

Bagrationi Dynasty

- Europes oldest Royal dynasty
- Descend from the line of Biblical King David
- Ruled Georgia for 1500 years, and previously were Princes of Georgian principality Tao-Klarjeti, in town Speri (now Isfir, Turkey)

Beauty

Georgian beauty was famed since the ancient times:
- All harems were mostly composed of Georgian women
- Remarkable amount of literature has been dedicated to Georgian beauty by such authors as G. Byron, I. Kant, J. Chardin, A. Dumas, P. Angelus etc
- Scientists like J F Blumenbach considered Georgians scientifically the perfect prototype of white race, and all beauty should be compared to it.

Christianity

- Second earliest Christian state (IVcent.) (poss. 1st)
- 6 Apostles preached in Georgia, 3 buried there
- Worlds first church was built in Atskuri village
- Christs tunic,2 Crucifixion nails, Plank from the Crucifixion cross etc are in Georgia
- Georgia was alotted to Holy Mother of God, She is considered Georgias protector, She studied Georgian

Cradle of Civilisation

- Accepted as part of the 'Cradle of Civilastion' region.
- One of the most ancient countries and people alive
- One of the centres of the Great Silk Route
- Besides other facts mentioned (Astronomy, Ironmongery, Language etc) others include Urartu civilisation, Colchis civilisation, Iberia etc

Fabled Land

- Story of the Golden Fleece takes place in Georgia (The town of Aee, is currently Kutaisi - Kuat (stone) - Aee - si)
- Other myths on Georgian land include Prometheus who was chained to a Georgian mounatin, Helios God of Sun rises from Georgia, River God Phasis (Poti), Colchian Dragon, Colchis Kingdom (currently western Georgia and Laz region of Turkey)

Jews

- Jewish settlements in Georgia are one the oldest ones in the world - from 6 century BC, fleeing from the persecutions of King Nebuchadnezzar.
- One of very few countries where there have been no jewish persecutions.

Language

- Georgian language is one of the oldest surviving languages in the world
- It is in a language group of its own, not related to any other - South Caucasian
- Basque and Etruscan languages are linked to Georgian

Life Longevity

- Famous for life longevity of people
- More hundred year olds than anywhere else
- As a result of climate and cuisine

Nature

- Highest mountains in Europe (over 5000m)
- Worlds deepest cave - Voronya Cave 1710m
- Sub-tropics by the sea to a semi-desert in the south-east - to preserved several million year old woods in Lagodekhi etc

People
White Race

- White race originated in Georgia. Hence the scientific term "Caucasian" from the Caucasian mountains in Georgia.
- Oldest human skull outside of Africa was found in Dmanisi, Georgia (pictured)

Polyphonic Singing

- Unique multi voice ancient polyphonic singing. It is protected by UNESCO Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
- Polyphonic singing spread to Europe from Georgia
- Also used in Church singing, first to use polyphony in Church chants.

Steel and Ironmongery

- Georgian tribe Chalybi were first to discover and master steel and iron.

- In Greek steel is called Chalybas

Ushguli - Europe's Rooftop

- Village Ushguli is the highest permenant settlement in Europe (2200 - 2400 metres) located in upper Svaneti region.

Winemaking

- Georgia is the birthplace of winemaking
- Out of 2000 grape varieties, 500 are Georgian
- Indo-European word for wine (vino, wein etc) derives from Georgian 'Ghvino'.
- World's oldest wine grape seed, 7000 year old wine vessel, ancient artifacts with wine motifs etc have been found in Georgia.

NOTABLE MENTION

Ancient Egyptians
Descendants live in several villages in western Georgia, from
settlements of pharaoh Ramses II (Sesostris), during wars with Colchis

Ancient Georgia
Ancient Georgian kingdoms were:
BC - Iberia, Colchis, Diaukhi (Taokhi), Mushki, Urartu provinces.
Early AD - Iberia, Egrisi-Lazica (later divided into Kingdoms of Egrisi, Lazica, Abkhazeti), Tao-Klarjeti,
Later AD - Kartli, Imereti, Kakheti

Cinema
Georgian cinema was included in the Worlds Top 10

Colchian Linen
Was considered the finest in the ancient world. Used in ancient Egypt.

Cuisine
Considered by many specialists as the most healthiest.
Special mention has to be given to Georgian yoghurt 'Matsoni'

Empire
Georgian Empire of the 12 century AD, was the greatest Christian Empire
in the East after the fall of Bizantium.

Georgian Enamel
Unique method lost now. Samples presented in Metropolitan Museum New York etc

Mineral Waters
Producer of many world famous mineral waters - Borjomi, Nabeghlavi etc

Population
Georgia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries.

Tourism
Georgia was the number one tourist destination of the former USSR.
Provided mountain skiing, sea resorts, health spas, trekking etc