Abanoskhevi

Abanoskhevi is a village in the Dusheti Municipality of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, positioned at the confluence of the Abanoskhevi and Aragvi rivers. Situated at an elevation of 580 meters above sea level, it lies approximately 13 kilometers from the municipal center of Dusheti. With a population of around 400 residents, the settlement serves as a residential and agricultural base in the Aragvi valley, but it is primarily recognized for its deep historical timeline.

Archaeological Significance

Excavations within the territory of Abanoskhevi have revealed significant evidence of early human habitation. Archaeologists have uncovered traces of settlements dating back to the Neolithic period, around 4000 BC. This establishes the immediate area as one of the oldest confirmed sites of continuous human activity in the region. The fertile floodplains and the strategic river junction made the location highly favorable for early agricultural societies, and the site remains an important reference point for researchers studying the prehistory of the Caucasus.

Geography and Landscape

The village occupies the lower foothills along the Aragvi gorge, spreading across both banks of the Abanoskhevi River just before it empties into the larger Aragvi waterway. The surrounding terrain features forested slopes populated by deciduous trees. The climate is characteristic of the lower elevations of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, providing mild conditions that support local vegetation and farming.

Access and Local Life

Abanoskhevi functions mainly as a farming community, with daily life centered around local agriculture. The proximity to the Aragvi River supports small-scale cultivation and fishing. The village is accessible by road, situated near the primary routes that follow the Aragvi gorge. Visitors traveling through the Dusheti area can reach the settlement easily via driving routes, providing a starting point for walking excursions along the riverbanks or into the adjacent forested hills.