Grakliani is a small but significant archeaological site located just off Georgia’s main East-West highway near the town of Kaspi. 

In the summer of 2015, a massive discovery was found here – intricate inscriptions that some archeologists and scholars believe are a writing script, which would make it the oldest writing ever found in the Caucasus. The inscription is believed to date back to the 7^th century BC, when the temple on which they were carved was built. 

The site also includes a hearth, and many objects were discovered there, including children’s toys made of carved stone and imitation Persian pottery. National Geographic wrote about the discovery in detail. The site is usually open to visitors during the day-time, but even if no archaeologists are around working, there are plaques set up with information about the site.

Photo: Shalva Lejava, National Geographic