programa "logosi"

150
Manana Khidasheli
DWELLINGS OF INNER KARTLI IN THE LATE BRONZE-
EARLY IRON AGE
In culturology the dwelling of ancient man is considered not only as the
place of his habitation, but also as the significant cultural realia, artifact, a
polysemantic symbol. The meaning of this symbol is disclosed most fully in
the early farming cultures. The dwelling was simultaneously the place
where man lived as well as the place of the performance of the cult. The
dead were also buried here, under the floor. Rituals were performed at the
hearth. The hearth had the female nature, the embodiment of the male power
were stands of the hearth, which represented male idols. They fecundated
the hearth and, as a result, life began anew. The symbol of the renewed
world was the central pillar and the tree, fastened in the hearth stands.
In the Late Bronze Age a new stage began in the development of the
culture of Inner Kartli. The culture widespread here was homogeneous. At
that period the territory was intensively settled. Khovlegora, Tskhinvali
Natsargora, Qatnaliskhevi hill, Narekvavi hill, etc. are especially wellknown
hill settlements of that period.
One common regularity is observable in the development of hill settlements.
Circa the 15 th -13 rd cc. BC the population settled at the summit of the
hill, which was protected by special trenches. Gradually the population left
the hill and moved to its foot.
In the hill settlements of Inner Kartli dwellings of a single type occurred.
This was a rectangular building. The flat roof was supported by wooden
pillars. A low partition divided the house in two sections. The left part was
the human dwelling, and the right one – the cattle stall. A door was made in
front of the stove. The house had a corridor in front of it. Sometimes a small
window was found on top of the stove.
The dwelling provides interesting information concerning the everyday
life culture of man of that period. A stove was placed in the left corner of
the dwelling room. Often shelves were made next to the stove. Sometimes
benches were also found at the back wall. On them were placed the lamps
Lamps, whose fire was lit without putting out. There was an altar in each
room.
An extremely interesting "palace", belonging to the 6 th c. B.C. was discovered
at the foot of Khovlegora. It was located inside the fortification
wall. The area of the building was 147 sq.m. It consisted of four rooms. A
47sq.m. room, leading to a round tower, is of interest. In the room there was
a stove, a hearth, a long coach faced with stone slabs, a shelf along the wall,