Stand where humans stood 1.8 million years ago—the oldest human presence ever discovered outside Africa. Walk the same ground where five individuals of Homo erectus georgicus lived, loved, cared for each other, and died, their remarkably complete skulls forever changing our understanding of human evolution.

This is not just archaeology—it’s a profound encounter with your deepest ancestry. Before civilization, before agriculture, before language as we know it, early humans walked this volcanic landscape on the edge of what would become Europe. Their discovery in 1991 rewrote textbooks, pushed back the timeline of human migration by hundreds of thousands of years, and proved our ancestors were far more adventurous and diverse than scientists imagined.

Combined with medieval fortresses and some of Georgia’s oldest Christian churches bearing the earliest known Georgian inscriptions, this tour spans an almost incomprehensible sweep of time—from humanity’s dawn to the present day.

Perfect for: Archaeology enthusiasts, science lovers, curious minds, history buffs, photographers, and anyone fascinated by human origins and evolution.

Tour Highlights

✓ Dmanisi Archaeological Site – Where 1.8-million-year-old human fossils were discovered
✓ Dmanisi Museum – Fossil casts, artifacts, and the discovery story
✓ Medieval Dmanisi Fortress – 9th-century citadel above the Mashavera River
✓ Secret Underground Tunnel – Medieval passage to the river
✓ Bolnisi Sioni Church – 5th-century basilica with oldest Georgian inscription
✓ Tsugrugasheni Church – 13th-century masterpiece of stone carving
✓ Kveshi Fortress – 7th-9th century medieval stronghold
✓ Kvemo Kartli Landscapes – Georgia’s multicultural southern region

The Discovery That Changed Everything

1991: A Breakthrough Moment in Human Evolution

In 1991, a joint Georgian-German archaeological team led by Professor David Lordkipanidze was excavating the medieval fortress at Dmanisi when they made an astonishing discovery: a human jaw buried in sediment beneath the medieval layers.

But this was no medieval human. Radiometric dating revealed the jaw was approximately 1.8 million years old—making it the oldest human fossil ever discovered outside Africa.

Over the following decades, the team uncovered something even more remarkable: five partial skeletons including remarkably complete skulls, representing individuals of different ages and sexes. These were not modern humans (Homo sapiens) or even Neanderthals, but Homo erectus—our direct ancestors who lived nearly two million years ago.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the scientific community and earned Georgia a permanent place in the story of human evolution.

Why Dmanisi Changed Everything

1. Humans Left Africa Far Earlier Than Believed
Before Dmanisi, scientists thought Homo erectus left Africa around 1 million years ago after developing sophisticated tools and larger brains. The Dmanisi fossils proved humans migrated much earlier—immediately after Homo erectus evolved, before significant brain enlargement.

2. Early Humans Were More Diverse
The five Dmanisi individuals show remarkable variation in size, skull shape, and features—yet they lived at the same time and place. This proved early Homo erectus populations were naturally diverse, not different species as once thought. Many supposed “species” in textbooks may simply be natural variation.

3. Evidence of Compassion and Social Care
One Dmanisi skull belonged to an elderly individual (perhaps 40+ years old—ancient by early human standards) who had lost all teeth years before death. Without teeth, this person could not chew tough raw food—yet survived. This suggests the group cared for vulnerable members, possibly by pre-chewing food or preparing soft meals. It’s some of the earliest evidence of human compassion.

4. Small-Brained Success
The Dmanisi humans had brain sizes of only 600-775 cubic centimeters—barely larger than earlier Homo habilis and much smaller than modern humans (1,350 cc average). Yet they successfully migrated thousands of kilometers from Africa and survived in new environments. Brain size wasn’t everything.

Meet the Dmanisi Five

The five individuals found represent a community:

• Skull 1 – An adolescent, showing development patterns
• Skull 2 – A robust adult male with powerful jaws
• Skull 3 – The toothless elder, evidence of social care
• Skull 4 – A small female, showing sexual dimorphism
• Skull 5 – The most complete early human skull ever found, with large face but small brain

These weren’t strangers scattered across millennia—they likely knew each other, lived together, perhaps were even related.

Your Journey to Human Origins

08:30 AM – Departure from Tbilisi: Southward to Kvemo Kartli

Your journey begins with departure from Tbilisi, heading south into Kvemo Kartli—Georgia’s multicultural southern region bordering Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The landscape transitions from Tbilisi’s urban environment to agricultural plains, rolling hills, and eventually volcanic terrain. This region is ethnically diverse, with Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani communities coexisting for centuries, giving the area a distinct cultural character.

Your guide will provide context about Kvemo Kartli’s history, its position as a frontier zone throughout Georgian history, and its importance as a crossroads between civilizations.

10:00 AM – Bolnisi Sioni: Georgia’s Oldest Inscription

A 5th-Century Basilica in Green Stone

Your first stop is Bolnisi Sioni, a three-nave basilica built in 478-493 AD during the reign of King Vakhtang Gorgasali—the same king who founded Tbilisi. The church is named after Mount Zion in Jerusalem, reflecting the spiritual connection early Georgian Christians felt to the Holy Land.

Architectural Significance:

Bolnisi Sioni represents early Georgian Christian architecture at a pivotal moment—when Georgia was developing its distinct architectural style separate from Byzantine and Armenian influences. The building materials themselves are significant: beautiful green tuff stone (volcanic rock) quarried locally, giving the church its distinctive color that seems to glow in certain light.

The Oldest Georgian Inscription:

But Bolnisi Sioni’s fame rests on something even more precious: carved into its walls is the oldest known inscription in the Georgian language using the Georgian script.

Located on the southern facade, the inscription dates to the same period as the church’s construction (late 5th century). Written in Asomtavruli (ancient Georgian script), it documents the church’s construction and sponsors.

For linguists, historians, and Georgians, this inscription is sacred—physical proof of Georgian literacy and literary culture 1,500+ years ago. It represents Georgian identity literally carved in stone.

Your guide will point out the inscription (weathered but still visible) and explain its significance. For those interested in linguistics or ancient writing systems, this is a rare chance to see one of the oldest examples of an alphabet still in use today.

Inside the Church:

The interior is austere and beautiful—three naves separated by massive stone pillars, with natural light filtering through small windows. The space has remarkable acoustics (Georgian churches were designed for chant and singing). While most interior decoration is gone, the proportions and atmosphere remain powerful.

Time at Bolnisi Sioni: 30-40 minutes

10:45 AM – Tsugrugasheni Church: Stone Carving Masterpiece

Just a short drive away lies Tsugrugasheni, a dramatically different church demonstrating how Georgian architecture evolved over eight centuries.

Built in the 13th century, Tsugrugasheni represents Georgian ecclesiastical architecture at its most refined. While Bolnisi Sioni is impressive through austerity, Tsugrugasheni dazzles through intricate decoration.

Stone Carving Excellence:

The church’s exterior is covered in elaborate stone carvings—geometric patterns, floral motifs, animal figures, crosses, and inscriptions—all carved directly into the sandstone blocks. This represents some of the finest stone masonry in Georgia.

The level of detail is extraordinary: look closely and you’ll see individual grape clusters, vine leaves, mythical creatures, and complex interlacing patterns. Medieval Georgian masons were masters of their craft, and Tsugrugasheni showcases their abilities.

Architectural Details:

The church features:

• Perfectly proportioned dome on a cylindrical drum
• Four-apse plan (tetraconch) typical of Georgian churches
• Carved ornamental crosses on multiple facades
• Decorative arches and window frames
• Inscriptions documenting patrons and builders

Historical Context:

The 13th century was a golden age for Georgia—the reign of Queen Tamar and her successors, when Georgian political power, culture, and arts reached their zenith. Tsugrugasheni reflects this confidence and sophistication before the Mongol invasions devastated the region.

Time at Tsugrugasheni: 25-35 minutes

11:30 AM – Kveshi Fortress: Medieval Stronghold

Continuing toward Dmanisi, you’ll stop briefly at Kveshi Fortress, a medieval defensive structure built between the 7th-9th centuries on a strategic hilltop.

While less famous than some Georgian fortresses, Kveshi demonstrates the constant need for defense in this frontier region. The fortress protected the local population and controlled movement along the valley.

You can explore the partially preserved walls, climb to elevated viewpoints for valley panoramas, and understand how medieval Georgians fortified strategic positions. The fortress’s position makes clear why this spot was chosen—commanding views in all directions made it nearly impossible to approach unseen.

Time at Kveshi: 20-30 minutes

12:30 PM – Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bolnisi town or nearby, sampling Kvemo Kartli regional cuisine. The food reflects the area’s multicultural character, with influences from Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani traditions.

Typical lunch includes:

• Khinkali (dumplings)
• Khachapuri (cheese bread)
• Grilled meats
• Fresh salads and vegetables
• Local bread
• Georgian wine

Lunch duration: 60 minutes

01:30 PM – Dmanisi: Standing at the Dawn of European History

Now arrives the moment you’ve been waiting for—Dmanisi Archaeological Site and Museum.

The Setting

Dmanisi occupies a volcanic promontory above the confluence of the Mashavera and Pinezaouri rivers. The dramatic landscape—volcanic cliffs, river gorges, and open skies—creates a powerful setting even before considering what was found here.

The site has two components: the open-air archaeological excavation and the medieval fortress ruins, plus the modern museum building displaying finds and telling the discovery story.

The Archaeological Site: Where Homo erectus georgicus Lived

Walk onto the actual excavation site where the fossils were discovered. The open-air museum allows visitors to see the excavation in progress (seasonal work continues) and understand the stratigraphy—the layers of earth representing different time periods.

What You’ll See:

Excavation Grid:
The site is divided into numbered squares where systematic excavation takes place. Multiple layers are visible:

• Top layers: Medieval period (9th-13th centuries AD)
• Middle layers: Bronze Age and earlier periods
• Deepest layers: Early Pleistocene (1.77-1.85 million years ago) where human fossils were found

The Discovery Locations:
Markers indicate where each of the five skulls was discovered. Standing at these spots, you’re literally at the place where humans stood 1.8 million years ago—a humbling, almost overwhelming realization.

Associated Artifacts:
Alongside the human fossils, archaeologists found:

• Stone tools: Simple but effective choppers and flakes
• Animal bones: Evidence of the fauna that shared the landscape (saber-toothed cats, giant cheetahs, ancient horses, primitive elephants)
• Environmental evidence: Pollen and geological data revealing climate and vegetation

The Landscape Then and Now:

1.8 million years ago, this region was warmer and more wooded than today, with open grasslands and forests supporting diverse megafauna. The Dmanisi humans likely scavenged meat from predator kills and gathered plant foods. Life was harsh—most died young by modern standards—but these resilient pioneers adapted to environments their ancestors had never seen.

The Dmanisi Museum: Bringing the Past to Life

The modern museum building houses exhibits explaining the discovery, displaying fossil casts (originals are in the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi for conservation), and contextualizing the findings within human evolution.

Museum Highlights:

Skull Casts:
Life-size casts of all five skulls allow detailed observation. Compare the robust male skull with the smaller female, observe the toothless elder’s jaw, examine the most complete skull (Skull 5) ever found from this time period.

Reconstruction Displays:
See artistic reconstructions showing how these individuals might have looked in life—not apes, not modern humans, but our Homo erectus ancestors with low foreheads, prominent brow ridges, and faces that look strangely familiar yet alien.

Comparative Evolution Displays:
Timelines and comparison displays show where Homo erectus georgicus fits in human evolution—after Homo habilis, before Homo heidelbergensis and Homo sapiens. Understand how our family tree branches.

The Migration Story:
Maps and displays explain the “Out of Africa” migration that brought Homo erectus from East Africa through the Middle East to the Caucasus and eventually across Eurasia. Dmanisi represents one of the earliest stops on this epic journey.

Discovery Story:
Photographs, video footage, and narratives document the 1991 discovery and subsequent excavations. Meet (through displays) the Georgian and international scientists whose work revealed this treasure.

Faunal Displays:
Fossils and reconstructions of extinct animals found alongside the humans—understanding the ecosystem helps understand how early humans survived here.

Scientific Significance Section:
Accessible explanations of why Dmanisi matters: it disproved previous theories, revealed early human diversity, provided evidence of social behavior, and pushed back migration timelines.

Interactive Elements:
Some displays allow visitors to handle replica tools, compare brain sizes, or explore digital reconstructions.

Time at Museum: 60-75 minutes

Medieval Dmanisi Fortress: Layers of History

The same promontory that attracted Homo erectus 1.8 million years ago attracted medieval Georgians for the same reason—strategic position with natural defenses.

The Fortress Complex:

Built primarily in the 9th century and expanded through the 13th century, Dmanisi Fortress protected the trade route between Georgia and Armenia. The fortress includes:

• Defensive walls – Partially preserved, following the cliff edges
• Residential quarters – Where fortress inhabitants lived
• Church remains – A small church served the fortress community
• Storage facilities – Grain stores and water cisterns for sieges
• Watchtowers – Commanding views of approaching routes

The Secret Tunnel:

One of the fortress’s most fascinating features is a secret underground passage descending through the rock to the Mashavera River below. This tunnel served two critical purposes:

1. Water access during sieges – When enemies surrounded the fortress, this hidden passage allowed defenders to reach water
2. Escape route – If the fortress fell, inhabitants could flee through the tunnel

The tunnel is partially accessible (depending on season and safety conditions), allowing visitors to descend into this medieval engineering marvel and experience the clever defensive thinking of Georgian fortress builders.

The View:

From the fortress heights, panoramic views reveal why this spot was perpetually valuable—commanding sight lines across valleys, river confluences visible, and approaches observable from great distances.

Time at Fortress: 30-40 minutes

The Poignant Connection: 1.8 Million Years in One Place

Before leaving Dmanisi, take a moment to absorb the extraordinary temporal compression this place represents.

Stand on the fortress walls built 1,100 years ago. Look down at the excavation site where humans lived 1.8 million years ago. That’s 1,798,900 years between them—yet you can see both simultaneously.

All of recorded human history—empires, religions, wars, art, science—occurred in the thin sliver of time between the Dmanisi humans and the medieval fortress. The Homo erectus georgicus individuals lived 900 times longer ago than the fortress was built.

This perspective shift—seeing deep time made tangible—is perhaps Dmanisi’s greatest gift. We are part of an unbroken chain stretching back into almost incomprehensible antiquity.

Total Time at Dmanisi Site: 2.5-3 hours

04:30 PM – Return Journey to Tbilisi

As you drive north back to Tbilisi, the landscape transitions again from the volcanic terrain of Kvemo Kartli to the familiar hills approaching the capital.

Your guide remains available for questions—and after Dmanisi, visitors often have many. The experience typically provokes profound questions about human nature, evolution, identity, and our place in the vast sweep of time.

Arrival in Tbilisi: Approximately 6:00-6:30 PM

---

What Makes This Tour Profound

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter
Few places on Earth allow you to stand where your distant ancestors stood nearly two million years ago. Dmanisi is one of only a handful of sites documenting humanity’s earliest presence outside Africa.

Scientific Significance
This isn’t just old—it’s important. Dmanisi genuinely changed our understanding of human evolution, migration, and diversity. You’re visiting a site that appears in textbooks worldwide and shapes how scientists understand human origins.

The Deep Time Perspective
Experiencing 1.8 million years made tangible—from Homo erectus to medieval fortresses—provides perspective impossible to gain from books or documentaries. Standing there, the vastness of human existence becomes real.

Georgia’s Contribution to World Heritage
This discovery is Georgia’s gift to global understanding of humanity. It’s not just Georgian history—it’s human history, and it happened here.

Expert Archaeological Guidance
Our guides include specialists with backgrounds in archaeology, anthropology, or paleontology who can answer sophisticated questions and explain complex evolutionary concepts accessibly.

More Than Just Dmanisi
The churches and fortresses demonstrate how humanity continued evolving, building, creating, and adapting across millennia—connecting that distant past to historical and modern periods.