The arrival of Sasanian gems in the Kingdom of Kartli mainly starts from the 4^th century, and their intensive spread begins from the second half of the 5^th century and continues throughout the Sasanian period. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the presence of distinctive Sasanian glyptic motifs during this time, including the crescent moon with eight-pointed star, the pomegranate flower, the Zoroastrian fire altar (ātaš-dān), birds, gazelles, etc. This article examines the glyptic monuments featuring the Zoroastrian symbols of the ātaš-dān and the pomegranate flower found in Georgia. The study of these motifs is of great importance for analyzing the cultural, religious and political interactions of Kartli in the late antique and pre-feudal periods.
The Zoroastrian fire altar, i.e. ātaš-dān, in which the sacred fire was kept, is one of the symbols of Zoroastrianism. The ātaš-dān was considered a pillar of the Sasanian throne. Impressions depicting ātaš-dān (three instances) have been found in the regions of Samtvro, Pikrisgora and Karsniskhevi, dating back to the 4^th to 6^th centuries. Moreover, in Sasanian glyptic art, the pomegranate flower is associated with the triad of the three main deities of the Zoroastrian pantheon: Ahuramazda, Mithra and Anahita. Impressions featuring the pomegranate flower (two instances) have been found in the cemeteries of Samtvoro and Pikrisgora, dated to the 4^th-5^th centuries.
The research has established that the studied glyptic monuments are an integral part of Sasanian art, which reflected the political and religious processes in the region. Symbols related to the Zoroastrian religion brought from Sasanian Iran date back to the 4^th-6^th centuries. They are not recorded in large numbers on the territory of the Kingdom of Kartli. Accordingly, the distribution of seals with Zoroastrian symbols in the Kingdom of Kartli is not regarded intensive.