Hunara: Journal of Ancient Iranian Arts and History

Abstract This study examines glyptic materials from the Nastagisi cemetery in Eastern Georgia, including two stone scaraboids and a transparent greenish glass intaglio. Although, these finds provide important evidence for cultural and artistic interactions between Georgia and the wider Achaemenid and post-Achaemenid world. The stone scaraboids, based on stylistic parallels, are likely imports and are attributed to the Bern group of the Graeco-Persian glyptic tradition, whereas the origin of the glass intaglio remains uncertain, suggesting local production influenced by Graeco-Persian art. The presence of these glyptic materials in the later graves dated to the second-first centuries BCE, also illustrates long circulation and continued prestige of Achaemenid-derived glyptic traditions in the South Caucasus. Overall, the Nastagisi materials demonstrate both the persistence of Graeco-Persian artistic traditions and their adaptation within a local Georgian context.

Abstract The relationship between Georgia and Iran dates back to ancient times. From the early reign of the Achaemenid rulers, these relations became increasingly intensive. The Achaemenid Kingdom had connections with both Iberia (Kartli) and the Georgian Kingdom of Colchis. These interactions were distinguished by their diversity, encompassing political, military, cultural, religious, and trade-economic aspects.
The Achaemenid shahs extended their political influence over vast territories, including the South Caucasus and its inhabitants, particularly Armenian and some Georgian tribes. To consolidate their power, the Achaemenids implemented administrative reforms in the territories under their control, dividing them into satrapies. These satrapies included parts of Georgia as well. Each satrapy, depending on its status, had specific obligations toward the central authority (the Achaemenid shahs).
It is noteworthy that the obligations of the Kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia (which were part of the 18^th and 19^th satrapies) differed from those of other satrapies. Unlike others, they enjoyed certain privileges, which indicate some unique characteristics of Georgian-Iranian relations.
An important aspect of these relations was the religious factor. Zoroastrianism, which was widely practiced in Achaemenid Persia, was not unfamiliar to Georgia. The spread of Zoroastrianism in Georgia is confirmed by various archaeological findings. The traces of Zoroastrian influence in Georgia become more evident toward the later period of Achaemenid rule.

Abstract This article examines the historical ties between ancient Iran and the Caucasus in martial culture and military history from the Mede era to the late Sassanian period. Initial phases of Caucasus-Iranian Plateau contacts are traced from the bronze ages up to military interactions between the Saka Paradraya (Scythians) of the south Russia-Ukraine regions arriving through the Caucasus to invade the Mede realms in western Iran and the Near East. Military and martial links between the Caucasus and Iran during the Teispid-Achaemenid era progressed considerably, as evidenced with the presence of Armenian contingents in the Teispid-Achaemenid Kingdom’s spāda (army), the Caucasian Albanians appearing later in 4^th century CE, with Caucasian Iberians not reported among the spāda’s contingents, while sharing military systems with the wider Iranian realms, notably the Scythians and their Sarmatian successors. Armenian, Caucasian Albanian and Iberian/ancient Georgian links in shared martial traditions, military lexica, military systems (notably cavalry warfare) of the ensuing Arsacid Kingdom’s spād (army) and Sassanian Kingdom’s spāh (army) are examined up to the final years of pre-Islamic (Sassanian) Iran in the 7^th century CE.

Abstract Finger rings with an engraved bezel made of gold, silver, and bronze were highly popular in Georgia during the 5^th to 2^nd centuries BCE. Most of these rings were found during the archaeological excavations of various cemeteries and burial complexes across the country.
Finger rings with an engraved bezel were usually used not only as jewelry, but also as a seal. Therefore, production and distribution of the finger rings were closely associated with the development of the society, its needs and private property.
These types of rings are considered to be of local production. However, the influence of Achaemenid glyptic is evident in the style of ornamentation and depictions. Some of the motifs are known from Graeco-Persian gems such as Persian women seated or standing holding various objects, Persian men with a stick, etc. Rings with depictions of a human, probably a priest, holding a barsom above a fine altar; double-protome animals; rhyta with a representation of a horses and ibex(?) protomes; fantastic creatures; animals; were common motifs in the Achaemenid art.
These materials confirm the significant influence of Achaemenid art across the entire territory of Georgia (East, West, and South) during the Late Achaemenid and Post-Achaemenid periods (4^th and 3^rd century BCE).